“The Holy Family”
 
And so it began, Mary and Joseph, engaged and in love, a love that would be tested from the very beginning.

Mary was pregnant! Joseph knew he was not the father. Mary knew this, too. There was no way she would be able to explain to Joseph. God came to the rescue. As Mary learned through an angel, so did Joseph.

The Holy Spirit was the responsible one. God intended that their personal love would have an infinite impact on the world.

Mary leans her head on Joseph’s shoulder, her husband, and protector. Joseph rests his head on Mary’s head, his wife, and one true love. Their hands meet, caressing Jesus, God’s Son. 
 
Jesus is safe in the arms of Mary and Joseph. He already holds in his hand a scroll. Much later, in the temple, he would open a scroll and reveal who he was: A prophecy fulfilled.

Jesus is blessing the world with his right hand, yet he himself is the blessing sent by the Father. He is God but receives obediently the love, care, and guidance of his parents. He was obedient to them and obedient to his Father onto/into?? death.
 
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph pray for us!
 
© 1990 Clyde Rausch, OMI