Our archbishop Cardinal Wuerl and many other bishops and Catholic theologians are meeting in Rome this month for the Synod on the Family. A synod is a gathering of bishops who advise the Holy Father on whatever issue the pope wishes consultation.  This time the synod is on the family. They have used the phrase is “The Gospel of the Family.” What a great   description because it implies that families should be living, breathing, laughing, forgiving proclamations of Jesus’s love.   Just how did Jesus emphasize families in his ministry and preaching?  Looking at the ways Jesus loved family life can help all of us in our families be true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are five ways Jesus loves families. 1. Bethlehem and Nazareth – First off, God could have come into the world in any way He chose. He didn’t opt for a flaming chariot or a golden limousine – Jesus came in a family. Born of Mary, taught by Joseph to be a good man, this is how Jesus came to save us. Moreover, this is one of the important ways He wants to continue to save us. The love of moms and dads, each unique in the gifts they bring, should be the classroom of love and forgiveness for the world.    2. Cana – Companies often choose the perfect place to release a new product.  A car show may be in Vegas and a fashion show will probably be in Paris or New York.  Location says a lot.  So when Jesus performed his first miracle at a wedding, it is pretty clear that he expected great things from husbands and wives. His changing water into wine showed all married couples that He expects families to fill the ordinary day with extraordinary love. Having a glass of wine (or your favorite libation) with a little toast to your marriage at dinner each night is a good reminder that families should be the place where miracles are made. 3. Bridegroom – Jesus described himself as a bridegroom who is united with a bride, the Church. (John 2, 29) Just as a family brings children into being, the Church bears her children by Baptism into the world. The family is one of the ways that Church builds up of the Kingdom of God.   4. Behold Your Mother – On the Cross Jesus gave Mary to John the Beloved and John the Beloved to his Blessed Mother. In doing so He gave her to the Church and gave the Church to His mother. This is an amazing reality. We are all one family, not just figuratively, but really under the care of greatest mother of all, the Queen of Heaven. Jesus loves families so much that he made his whole Church one great family of love.   5.  Sacrament of Love – Marriage was the one institution that became a sacrament that existed before Jesus. His mom and dad were married. However, he raised marriage to the level of a sacrament so that it would be a visible sign to make present His love to all humanity. His cross and resurrection should be reflected in every “I love you,” “I am sorry” and “thank you” that a family offers. Everyone who meets your family should wonder what makes your family different. If they ever ask, tell them with a smile, “It’s Jesus Christ!  He loves families, you know.”