Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross in Green Bay, WI
Reflection for Dec. 31, 2023

Reflection for Dec. 31, 2023

Guided by God

Lessons from the Holy Family to apply to our lives

by Sister Laura Zelten

Sunday's Gospel from St. Matthew tells us that the Holy Family endured challenging and perilous times, but their unshakable faith in God guided them. The reading from Colossians urges us to fulfill our role in our own families, emphasizing the importance of doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus:    "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Col. 3:17)

As we begin a new year, there are valuable lessons we can learn from the Holy Family to apply to our own lives.

Faith in God: Just as the Holy Family relied on their faith to guide them through challenging times, we, too, can lean on our faith to find strength and direction in our own lives.

Perseverance: Despite facing many obstacles, the Holy Family never gave up. They continued to trust in God and follow His will. We, too, can persevere through difficult times by staying focused on God and staying true to our values.

Love: Above all, the Holy Family exemplified love. They loved God and each other, and their actions were guided by that love. We, too, can strive to show love in all that we do, whether it's in our families, our communities, or the world at large.

As we enter a new year, let us remember these lessons and seek to apply them to our own lives. By doing so, we can walk in faith and find joy and fulfillment in all that we do.

8 Comments

Millie
12/29/2023 9:40 am

Excellent!

Keith
12/29/2023 9:42 am

Sister Laura:

That is a very well written reflection to remember throughout the New Year !

Thank you :)

SR ROSE JOCHMANN
12/29/2023 10:05 am

Thank you for the lessons of Faith in God, Perseverance, and Love on this feast of the Holy Family. When I entered the Convent, our group adopted the Holy Family as our patron. Our theme was "Love, Labor and Laugh". It overlaps a little with the three lessons you gave us. Thank you!

Mary K
12/29/2023 10:29 am

Wise words for our own time in reference to the Holy Family... thank you! A blessed New Year to all the Sisters!

Claire
12/29/2023 10:44 am

Thank you for your valuable reflection as we welcome 2024.

New Year blessings to all of the Sisters.

Thank you for the beautiful Christmas card and Mass intentions.

Peter Schumacher
12/29/2023 2:52 pm

Thank you Sister Laura for this timely reflection. As we enter the new year I can’t think of a better time for faith in our God, perseverance and love to overcome the turmoil in see in our world.

Sally Ann
12/29/2023 8:38 pm

Such wonderful counsel to look to and imitate the virtues of the Holy Family during the New Year! Thank you, Laura!

Deacon Tom
12/30/2023 1:24 pm

Now, as never before, is it so important to be grounded in family values. They must be our rock in these times that are so challenging to traditional family values. Thank you Sister Laura for this reflection and to all the Sisters for providing these reflections which I look forward to each week. Wishing you all many blessings in the New Year.

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