The Nativity Family
The Nativity scene, both outside and inside the church, presents us with a family. Family is the cornerstone of society. We learn how to be human in our family. We learn how to share mutual concern for others and the values by which we construct our respective lives. Family teaches us about loving relationships and mutual responsibilities.
Evolving Definition of Family
The constitution of the family has changed through the years. While family was defined as people who were related by blood, today that definition has expanded to mean all people with whom we have meaningful and loving relationships. Therefore, while family may include all one’s relatives, it may also include friends with whom we have bonded for many years and with whom we share a common life.
Categories of Families
There are many categories of families. There is our immediate family of mom, dad, and brothers and sisters. There is our work family. There are the people we see every day and with whom we spend most of our waking hours. There is the parish family, which is made of people with whom we worship and with whom we work for the greater good of the community.
Challenges in Relationships
Family is a network of relationships. Relationships can be rewarding and wonderful, or they can be difficult and frustrating. Relationships are complicated, and they need constant work. Forgiveness, understanding, remembering that no one is perfect, remembering that every life goes through difficulties and needs understanding, can help family life.
Importance of Communication
Communication is most important in families. Communication issues are the reasons for many family struggles. Parent-child relationships, husband-wife relationships, and brother-and-sister relationships often fall or rise over the quality or lack of quality of communication. The ability to listen to each other, to listen to what is said, and react reasonably, is a major challenge for many.
Intergenerational Stress
These issues become more acute as we are now seeing intergenerational living together. The caring for children and, at the same time, the caring for aging grandparents adds more stress to family life. Hurts come frequently in families because it is usually those you love the most who hurt you the most.
Foundations of Family Life
Family is important. For the sake of family life, the struggle to make peace based on truth and understanding is paramount. While family life has changed through the years, the way to maintain a family has not. Love, mercy, forgiveness, and sharing a common life are foundations of family life. For the family to survive, we all need to see ourselves as part of the community of family and not as independent individuals.
Reflection
What is your most challenging family issue? What is your most rewarding family issue? Both challenges and rewards make us a family.
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
December 28, 2025