Episode 2819: The Holy Family and Trusting God in the Present Moment - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
The Holy Family and Trusting God in the Present Moment
Welcome to CR, where we reflect on the beauty of our Catholic faith through the wisdom of Scripture, the saints, and the traditions of Holy Mother Church. Today’s episode invites us to look at two interconnected themes: the sanctity of the Holy Family and the call to trust in God’s providence in every moment of our lives.
Together, we’ll explore how the ordinary life of the Holy Family serves as a profound model for our daily living and how abandonment to God can bring peace and joy to our souls.
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Segment 1: The Holy Family as a Model
In the Gospel of Luke, we read:
"The growth of Jesus ‘in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man’ (Lk. 2:52) took place within the Holy Family under the eyes of St. Joseph, who had the important task of ‘raising’ Jesus, that is, feeding, clothing, and educating him in the Law and in a trade, in keeping with the duties of a father.” — Pope John Paul II
The Holy Family lived a life that was, on the surface, very ordinary. St. Joseph worked diligently as a carpenter, Our Lady kept the home, and the child Jesus learned the skills and lessons that would shape Him as He grew. Yet within this humble household, the greatest mysteries of our faith unfolded.
This teaches us that holiness is often found in the ordinary tasks of life. St. Joseph’s example as a provider, protector, and teacher shows the dignity of fatherhood and the responsibility of raising children in the faith. His role required both patience and a profound trust in God’s plan, even when it was not fully clear to him.
For us, this means that no matter our vocation whether as parents, workers, or caregivers God calls us to sanctify our daily lives by offering them to Him.
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Segment 2: Abandonment to Divine Providence
Jean Pierre de Caussade beautifully describes the state of abandonment to God in his spiritual classic, Abandonment to Divine Providence:
In the state of abandonment the only rule is the duty of the present moment. In this the soul is light as a feather, liquid as water, simple as a child, active as a ball in receiving and following all the inspirations of grace. Such souls have no more consistence and rigidity than molten metal. As this takes any form according to the mould into which it is poured, so these souls are pliant and easily receptive of any form that God chooses to give them. In a word, their disposition resembles the atmosphere, which is affected by every breeze; or water, which flows into any shaped vessel exactly filling every crevice. They are before God like a perfectly woven fabric with a clear surface; and neither think, nor seek to know what God will be pleased to trace thereon, because they have confidence in Him, they abandon themselves to Him, and, entirely absorbed by their duty, they think not of themselves, nor of what may be necessary for them, nor of how to obtain it. —Jean Pierre de Caussade
What does it mean to live in abandonment? It means surrendering our will to God’s will, trusting that He is in control even when we cannot see the path ahead. De Caussade uses powerful imagery, comparing the soul to molten metal, water, and the atmosphere each taking the shape or movement given to it.
For us, this calls for a radical trust in God. Like St. Joseph, we may not always understand the circumstances we face, but we can remain faithful by focusing on the duty of the present moment. Whether we are working, praying, or caring for others, God asks us to give our whole selves to Him in that moment.
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Segment 3: Practical Lessons from the Holy Family
How can we emulate the Holy Family and live with abandonment to God?
1. Cultivate Humility and Simplicity: The Holy Family embraced a life of simplicity and humility. Seek to simplify your own life by prioritizing faith, family, and service to others.
2. Focus on the Present Moment: As de Caussade reminds us, the present moment is where God’s grace is active. Avoid dwelling on the past or worrying excessively about the future.
3. Trust God with Your Vocation: Like St. Joseph and Our Lady, fulfill your responsibilities with diligence and love, trusting that God will provide what is necessary.
4. Sanctify Daily Tasks: Offer your work, chores, and even your struggles to God. These small sacrifices, united with Christ, can bear great spiritual fruit.
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Segment 4: Finding Christ in the Ordinary
The hidden life of the Holy Family reminds us that Christ is present in the small, mundane moments of our lives. Just as He worked alongside St. Joseph in the carpenter’s shop, so too does He walk with us in our daily tasks.
When we abandon ourselves to God, we allow Him to shape us as He wills. This is not a passive resignation but an active trust that He is always working for our good. In this trust, we find peace—because we know that even in difficulties, God’s hand is guiding us.
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Conclusion Prayer
Let us end with a prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the example of the Holy Family, who show us the beauty of a life lived in humility, trust, and devotion to Your will. Grant us the grace to imitate St. Joseph in his diligence, Our Lady in her purity, and Our Lord Jesus in His obedience.
Teach us to live in the present moment, abandoning ourselves to Your divine providence. Help us to see Your hand in every aspect of our lives, and to trust that You are always leading us closer to You.
May we, like the Holy Family, grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with You and with our neighbors. Shape our souls as You will, and may we glorify You in all we do.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Thank you for joining us. May the example of the Holy Family inspire you to live with trust, simplicity, and love. Until next time, may God bless you and your family abundantly.