As we begin the new calendar year, it is good to think

about the question of what makes a Holy Family. Not in the

way of how to judge whether a family is holy or not, which

is how we normally think of it, but rather: How does a

family become Holy? What does the road to Perfection for

a family look like? Is it a matter of the accomplishments of

the parents or the children? Is it determined by how well

known the family name is; how wealthy they are or their

social standing?

Another way of thinking about it may be, to borrow

from a recent video I saw, what brings joy and fulfillment to

a family.

One of the first things that the Holy Family tells us is

that fulfillment does not come from social status. If this

where the case, then the Kardashians and families of the

Real Housewives, would be some of the strongest and best

families in our nation. But even if you don’t watch the

shows (hopefully you do not) there has been enough in the

news about Bruce Jenner for us to know that they are not a

strong family. Our society is filled with individuals and even

family members who have reached the heights of celebrity,

while the family itself falls apart.

Neither is fulfillment found in accomplishments. There

are a countless number of people who have sought to earn

greatness and happiness by stacking up awards and major

accomplishments. Whether in the form of public

recognition, or setting goals for reaching a million

subscribers, opening dozens of franchise restaurants, or any

number of things, no one has ever gained happiness by

stacking up the accomplishments.

Busyness and wealth do not lead to a family’s happiness,

closeness, and virtue. Contrary to popular belief, what

actually leads to the fulfillment of the family is to slow down,

and to do less. The greatest threat to a family’s health in

this day is trying to do too many things and keep up with all

of the people and activities that are pulling for our time.

Instinctually, we know this and will even describe being

pulled in different directions. We do not describe them as

feeding us, or nourishing us, as if there is an endless buffet

of activities that helps our family grow stronger. Look to

things from that perspective, discern and judge: Are these

things helping our family, or putting stress on it.

Think for a moment, of not only the Holy Family, but

the people and Saints throughout history who have been

most fulfilled and demonstrated joy and real Beatitude in

life: they have all done less. They have identified and

focused on the things that are most important and left the

stresses of other things behind.