The Divine Child, His Mother, and Foster Father so abandoned themselves to the Father that they trusted completely in His love and concern for them. Sadness and turmoil could not shake their serenity, so rooted in God were they. This edifying confidence in God does not appear overnight. A concerted effort to pray, to be charitable, to do penance, and to follow the Creator's Com mand ments is critical for those seeking to imitate Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Union with God is the Lord's gift to those who sincerely avail themselves of it.
Prayerful diligence is crucial in the battle for Christian perfection.
The Holy Family is the pattern of holiness for individuals as well as for families. Each member of the Holy Family contributed to the whole family. Each person was aware of the responsibility to work together for the glorification of the Father. Sacred Scripture reminds us that God wants us to be holy. He desires to be the center of our very existence, knowing that if we make Him the core of our lives, we shall certainly become holy.