“And the child grew, and waxed strong, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

It seems like only yesterday that my wife and I said, “I do.” But that was five jobs, six homes, twelve cars, three children and six grandchildren ago. In the intervening years, we’ve witnessed many changes in society’s attitudes toward marriage and the family.

Sixty-five percent of the current U.S. population was born after we walked down the aisle. Their views about the institution of marriage are the result of circumstances that simply did not exist when my wife and I pledged our undying love:

•   In the early 60s, 67 percent of adults were married; today, fewer than 56 percent are.

•   Back then, only 5 percent of the children were born out of wedlock; now 34 percent are.

•   Today 45 percent of marriages end in divorce and only about 60 percent of U.S. children live with their own biological (or adoptive) married parents.

As a result of these and other changes, many young people harbor a cynical attitude toward marriage and long-term commitments. Some see marriage as an outmoded institution.

But decades of research studies have shown that married couples are actually happier, healthier and live longer lives than their non-married counterparts. Children raised in an intact family do better in school and are less likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol or sex; and they are less likely to engage in criminal activity.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus was raised in an intact family. Like all families, they had their share of troubles, even fleeing for their very lives at one point. But Jesus' parents stayed together and worked together to make sure that He grew physically and spiritually. He learned the importance of love and respect at Mary’s knee. He was taught the value of self-discipline and hard work in His father’s carpentry shop. He discovered the meaning of self-sacrifice, commitment and trust in the way that His parents cared for one another. Above all, He learned how to pray.

The family that prays together stays together.