Gospel: December 31, 2023
(Sunday)
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Psalter: Proper / (White)
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (7a, 8a)
The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
1st Reading: Genesis 15: 1-6; 21: 1-3 (or Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14)
2nd Reading: Hebrews 11: 8, 11-12, 17-19 (or Colossians 3: 12-21)Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, they brought the baby up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to God. And they offered a sacrifice, as ordered in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
There lived in Jerusalem, at this time, a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the Holy Spirit was in him. He looked forward to the time when the Lord would comfort Israel; and he had been assured, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the Lord. So, he was led into the temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law.
Simeon took the child in his arms, and blessed God, saying, “Now, O Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace, for you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation, which you display for all the people to see. Here is the light you will reveal to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
His father and mother wondered at what was said about the child. Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Know this: your son is a sign; a sign established for the falling and rising of many in Israel, a sign of contradiction; and a sword will pierce your own soul, so that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After leaving her father’s home, she had been seven years with her husband; and since then, she had been continually about the temple, serving God, as a widow, night and day, in fasting and prayer.
She was now 84. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to God, and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their town, Nazareth in Galilee. There, the child grew in stature and strength, and was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.
Reflection:Read: The first reading tells of Abraham. God promised him that he would be the father of many nations. The Letter to the Hebrews lauds Abraham and Sarah for their faith and their trust that God would fulfill his promise. The Gospel recounts the Presentation of Jesus in the temple where Simeon and Anna recognize him as the Messiah, a light to the nations.
Reflect: Tolstoy wrote that all happy families are alike, but every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Today we are reminded that each family is called to holiness in its own way. Though each family has its own call, circumstances and challenges, the example of the Holy Family and the counsel of Scripture can lead us to holiness.
All holiness is grounded in faith in God. On our own, we can do nothing. We rely on the grace of God. We can grow in holiness by living upright lives, committing ourselves to following God’s commandments and offering ourselves in loving service. Our holiness is strengthened by prayer and fasting that allow us to listen to the voice of the Spirit and open our hearts more fully to God.
Pray: Jesus, make our families holy like your family.
Act: Share a family meal and conversation.
