Holy Habits…

The following article was written by St. William Parishioner, Bryan Hermsen. Bryan leads a young men’s group, Brothers of Christ; co-leads Confirmation retreats; Lector, and has been a panelist as part of the CCWauk Domestic Church series.

 This week, we continue our focus on Ritual - our "Holy Habits" - in the Domestic Church. Like so many other things, many of our Rituals had to change this year. The Christmas Season calls us to reflect on how our Rituals bring life to those around us.

Throughout my life as a single adult, I've found that Rituals are absolutely essential to growing my relationship with God. These include several personal Rituals: going for a walk after work, listening to a podcast of the daily readings, and praying a rosary or Divine Mercy chaplet; as well as Rituals with my Domestic Church.

 In the absence of a spouse and children, my Domestic Church includes my roommates, the Brothers of Faith (a young men's Bible study), my parents, my sister, and my close friends. Just like any Domestic Church, keeping up with Rituals requires intentionality: preparing for Bible study every Wednesday night; praying with one another regularly, sharing our joys and our needs; making phone calls to friends and family I haven't seen recently. And having fun together! Watching football with my roommates or playing board games with my friends opens a door to meaningful relationship.

 Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. Children, mothers, and fathers can look to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph for many examples of Holy Habits. But let us also remember that in the Church, we are all members of One Family, children of God. As Christ himself said, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." (Lk 8:21) This saying is certainly not meant to exclude Mary; for who among them did the will of the Father better than Mary did? Rather, with these words, Jesus (a single adult himself by this time) expands his Domestic Church - his brothers and sisters - to include all who obey His Father. What can we learn from Christ's love for Mary and Joseph? And what can we learn from Christ's love for his disciples?

 Christmas is a season of warmth and joy, of rest and play. It is a season for family and a season for Ritual. During this unusual year, the world has an unusual need for love, for kindness, for a helping hand. As we enter the Christmas Season and look to the New Year, let's build on the Christmas spirit and hold onto those Rituals that spread Joy and Love in times of darkness.