Mary was always approachable

There has never been a stronger or deeper spousal love than the mutual love of Joseph and Mary. Theirs was a genuine, deep and never imposing conjugal love, that knew how to be joyful, to pray and to open the door to others. Because of this the first impression they made was not that of perfection.

Even though they certainly lived a certain degree of perfection, it was not so outwardly impressive as to be overwhelming and repelling. They gave the image of a welcoming and forgiving love, a type of love that is not judgmental. The image of gentleness, humility, and patience. The love of Joseph and Mary was an attractive, welcoming love. I think that the three of them knew how to strike a perfect balance between family intimacy and kind hospitality.

Mary was always approachable. That is the first thing I want to stress to describe her. See how the apostles went to her to be reassured before Pentecost and be ready to welcome Jesus in the Upper Room at a time when they were all afraid.

She also knew how to rejoice, even to celebrate an event, as we see in the wedding at Cana, while remaining attentive to the needs, even the simplest, of those around her. She mingled with others, talked with the women of Nazareth, and she raised Jesus with patience, gentleness and humility. It is important to invite the Family of Nazareth into our families, so that they can teach us how to be like them, how to react to difficulties.

Father Emmanuel Gobilliard

Homily for the 2012 Family Day, Le-Puy-en-Velay.

See also: Marian Encyclopedia