December 2023
Faith and Love:
The Essence of a Christian Family
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the family as the sanctuary of life, and the Holy Family of Nazareth stands as the prime example. What made it special? Christ was at its center, and with God dwelling there, heaven was right in their midst. As someone wisely said, 'A happy family is but an earlier heaven,' and how true that rings.
Like every family, the family of Nazareth experienced both joys and challenges. They faced unique circumstances, including Mary being with child before living with Joseph, having to journey during her time to give birth, poverty, the necessity to escape to a distant country on a donkey's back, and moments like Jesus being lost. Mary likely endured all the sorrow foretold by Simeon, a piercing of her heart. They encountered rejection, accusations against Jesus, and the heartbreaking moment when Mary witnessed Jesus' crucifixion. What sustained them through it all? Their profound love for the Lord and for each other, their obedience to God, and their unwavering commitment to submit to God’s will through hard work and toil.
For our families too, the fundamental rule remains unchanged. Christ must take centre stage, ensuring the constant and sure presence of God.
My early memories include rising with the dawn to walk to church for Holy Mass alongside my parents and siblings. I am thankful to have been born into a devout Catholic family. My father, a role model, prioritized Jesus and the sacraments, instilling in us the importance of practicing faith and upholding tradition. Sundays and first Fridays were marked by confession and Holy Communion without fail.
My childhood is adorned with cherished memories of joyful family moments with mom, dad, and my five siblings. Our tender love for each other created a close-knit bond where the older siblings cared for the little ones, and love and sacrifice were woven into the fabric of our lives. Together, we prayed, shared daily experiences – both the good and the challenging – offering encouragement and support.
Dad and mom instilled in us a love for God and others, teaching us the importance of prayer and guiding us on the path of values, morals, kindness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
Despite not having everything we desired, we found contentment in what we possessed. Instilled with gratitude, we consistently thanked the Lord for every blessing. Growing up in a nurturing family moulds individuals capable of standing tall as adults. We owe a profound debt of gratitude to our parents, the architects of the foundation that shaped us. As time passed, the moment arrived for me to start my own family. The values passed down from both my parents and my husband's parents played a crucial role in shaping and constructing a warm home for our three children – a divine gift bestowed upon us by God.
As our children grew, they brought both joy and challenges into our lives. As parents, we embraced the responsibility of meeting their evolving needs. We provided them with abundant love, comfort, and most importantly, imparted the faith inherited from our own parents. We emphasized the genuine value of things, instilled morals, and cultivated good values. Together, we attended mass, prayed the Rosary, and delved into God's Word. Family prayers took centre stage in our evenings.
Dinner time became a cherished moment for sharing, listening, and expressing care with patience and love. We invested considerable time and effort in nurturing interpersonal relationships and addressing the emotional dimensions of life.
Ups and downs are inherent in our earthly journey. Just when life seemed to be flourishing, my husband received a cancer diagnosis, and our children were still very young. We navigated through the most challenging times. Despite the darkness that enveloped us, we felt the divine presence offering strength and solace. Our extended family provided unwavering support. Eventually, my husband lost his battle and succumbed to cancer. The days, weeks, months, and years that ensued were challenging, yet our resilient faith, a pure grace, remained our anchor. Guided by the Lord who walked beside us, we found the strength to persevere. As grown-ups, the elder children have broadened the sphere of love in our family with their marriages. The addition of Adam, my grandchild, a profound blessing, has further expanded this circle.
Indeed, as God's word states, 'Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.' The truth of these words resonates in the joy a grandchild brings. Witnessing his growth, especially in love for the Lord, is a precious gift. Recently, his parents shared with me that, at just nine years old, he eagerly arrives at school early every day. When I asked him why, his response was truly remarkable: 'I go to the school chapel and pray to Jesus before classes start!' Isn't that simply beautiful?"
My heart overflows with gratitude to the Lord for His unwavering faithfulness, love, grace, and blessings, often bestowed upon us even when we are unaware. If only we pause and reflect, we come to realize that our Lord is a generous God, willing to provide not only what we ask for but even what we haven't dared to imagine.
In conclusion, a good Christian family stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and values. Through the trials and triumphs, the foundation laid by parents becomes a guiding light for generations. It's a commitment to God at the centre, a dedication to passing on the torch of faith, and a willingness to navigate life's challenges with unwavering trust. As we reflect on the lessons learned from the Holy Family, it becomes evident that a good Christian family is a sanctuary of grace, where the echoes of love and faith resound across time. May our families, rooted in Christ's teachings, continue to be beacons of light, nurturing the values that transcend generations.
Mrs Teresa Kattukaran
UAC Member, Bangalore, India
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