The Scriptures do not talk about Mary and Joseph as much as we might hope. What were they like? We can get some idea by looking at Jesus, for he was formed in his human nature by the love and guidance of the Holy Family. Raising a family is more than providing food and housing - it involves the formation of character and the building of souls. We dare not take this lightly.

We worry about clothing and fashion - Colossians has an excellent idea. Make compassion, kindness, humility, and patience be your clothing. Not only that but let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. The word of the Lord is more than words on a page - it is living, dynamic, reality. Let it do its work of transformation. These were the qualities shown in the lives of Mary and Joseph, and they enabled them to protect the child Jesus and help him grow to adulthood and begin his mission. We can be family even to those not related to us - we form family by love, mutual care and respect, encouragement, and support. Any group of people can become a sort of family - we might call it community, but the principles are the same.