Personal Reflection on the Holy Family

On December 28th I, along with seven others, piled into a 15-passenger van and headed to Minnesota. Why on earth would anyone want to go to Minnesota in the middle of winter in between Christmas and New Years? And why would they drive? The answer: A good friend of mine decided to get married in the heart of winter in one of the coldest states in the U.S. Because he was such a great friend (I consider him a brother) and the fact that I was in the wedding party, made me pack my bags and drive 26 hours to Minnesota. Flying was out of the question due to the fact that the holidays bring about jacked up airfare (over $1000 for my wife and I to fly there). Nevertheless, the Lord rewarded me in more ways than I could have hoped for.

I was amazed at the wedding. Not only did I meet one of the nicest families as I was introduced to my friend's new in-laws, but I experienced the Holy Family during this journey. As I witnessed my first wedding since my wife and I were united in July, I was overwhelmed by the devotion the bride and groom had to Christ. I witnessed their love of the Lord manifest in the celebration of their Nuptial Mass, which happened to fall on the feast of the Holy Family. As I explained to the couple during the reception, I had not felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in such a way in a long time. I never, with the exception of my own wedding, had been so prayerful during a wedding celebration. I thanked them for their constant focus and the way they made sure their guests knew who was at the center of their relationship. I felt as if we journeyed to Nazareth to be with the Holy Family simply because I was surrounded by holy familIES! The holiness and faithfulness of many of the couples in attendance also inspired me to live a life worthy of being called "Christian."

As I continue to reflect on the life Jesus, Mary, and Joseph lived during Jesus' childhood and adolescence, I am filled with excitement as I await the day I raise my own children-bringing them up in the ways of the faith. I have such great support and examples in my life to draw from. So, if you were to ask me if I traveled anywhere special this holiday season, the answer is YES!

Books I plan to read and review in 2012

"The Bible's Best Love Stories" by Allan F. Wright

"The Rite" by Matt Baglio

"At the Heart of the Gospel" by Christopher West

"Night of the Confessor" by Tomas Halik

Heart Throbs

If you have a teenage girl in your family or have watched any form of mainstream television this holiday season, you know the name Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber has become extremely famous over the past few years as the latest “teen sensation” and by virtue of that title he is a heart throb for many young girls. Bieber posted youtube videos of himself singing and playing numerous instruments and was discovered by an agent in 2008. Since then, he has become a platinum-selling, Grammy nominated artist. He has created his own perfume (which, by the way, the holiday commercials were hilarious), authored a book, and made numerous appearances on television shows and holiday specials singing alongside well-known artists like Carlos Santana and Mariah Carey. So why does this young artist attract so many teenage hearts? Justin Bieber is certainly in the world’s spotlight. His story inspires many to follow their dreams and not lose hope. People come from afar to see his concerts and live performances. However, I cannot help but think of the countless artists who were once heart throbs who are now “Dancing with the stars.” How long until Bieber’s fame and fortune pass away?

In the Old Testament reading from Mass this morning, Isaiah reminds us that there is one and only heart throb worth following and paying homage to as he prophesies Christ entering into this world. Christ enters in the most humble of ways—a poor woman and her husband give birth to our Lord in a manger. However, there is such beauty in this:

“Then you shall be radiant at what you see, your heart shall throb and overflow, for the riches of the sea shall be emptied out before you, the wealth of nations shall be brought to you.” (Isaiah 60)

Isaiah is not referring to Justin Bieber as a heart throb, or anyone in this world for that matter. Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s radiance and light shining in the darkness of the world. Once we allow ourselves to see past the limelight, past the fame and fortune, past the passing things of this world, we can see the face of God. How amazing the sight must have been for the magi—more radiant than any flawless diamond or jewel. The heavenly music sung and played by the angel choirs are beyond words (I’d take that music over Justin Bieber’s anyday!) They saw the radiance of pure love within their midst and their hearts throbbed and were overjoyed.

Allow Christ to be your heart throb-his light will shine when all else fades. He cannot be our flavor of the week or our passing teen sensation-his glory goes beyond all fame. We must only follow the stars that lead us to him, where our hearts will throb and be overflowed with his grace, mercy, and love.