A Quiet Moment

I love this image of the Holy Family by Timothy P. Schmalz called "A Quiet Moment".

Obviously the Holy Family, imaging the communion of persons that is God - The Trinity, is the best model we have for what family is supposed to be. This sculpture shows that interconnectivity. Everyone has their place, their role, their purpose. Joseph, Mary, and of course the Lord, all bravely answer their very different calls.

I like this statue also because it provides a great image of what it means to be male and female.

Men are called to be fathers, biological or spiritual, in everything they do. It doesn't just mean siring children. It means that you're a dad in every facet of life. Joseph shows us what father means - protector, provider. Joseph gives his bride and child a lap to rest on, and at the same time makes himself vulnerable, hunching over to protect them from danger. Men, we need to embrace our women and their dignity in our arms and be willing to die in order to uphold it.

There is nothing weak about Mary in this picture. She is nurturing the Infant like no man could ever imagine. It's a mother's touch and she has it mastered. All women possess that power to care for God's children, not to mention the power to GIVE life! And when a man comes along who understands his responsibility to protect his bride, well then that makes for quite a potent team. Quite a holy family!

St. Joseph, pray for us

Holy Mary, seat of Wisdom, pray for us

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.