I wonder what Jesus, Mary and Joseph heard – the Holy Family living quietly, speaking, listening, knowing, suffering, feeling, compassionate.

They undoubtedly appeared receptive, respectful, trustworthy, and understanding. People must have trusted them with their cares, problems, histories, worries, shocks, tears, and suffering.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph must have often heard, not only through contemplation of God but also by direct human words and experiences, just how horrible the world is and what infinite distance there can be between us and God.

But they must have also heard, not only through contemplation of God but also by direct human words and experiences, how joy takes root in suffering in ways that comfort cannot imagine. They must have shared this condition.

As I write this, I think of some of the joyful encounters I’ve had myself… like in the photo above… and how much Jesus, Mary, and Joseph must have lived such joy even more than I have! The mystery of the Incarnation!