1ST READING - Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 (or 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28)
P S A L M - Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 (or Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10)
R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. 1Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walk in his ways! 2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (R) 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. (R) 4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. 5 The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (R)
2ND READING - Colossians 3:12-21 (or 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24)
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
Luke 2:41-52
41 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
| SABBATH | ||
DOING THE FATHER’S BUSINESS
On this second Sunday of Christmas we are given a glimpse of the life of the Holy Family. The family is returning from a time of pilgrimage in Jerusalem, namely, the Passover. We reflect on this Gospel in the fourth Joyful Mystery – the finding of Jesus in the Temple. Luke has a way of giving us details to help us meditate on this mystery.
The story reminds me of an experience I once had. I was with a group of people listening to an open-air concert. During the interlude we all noticed a small child looking for his parents. When he realized he was lost, his face downcast, he cried out, “Daddy!” The crowd instantly sighed in helplessness — where is the parent? Then, as in a flash, the child saw the parent and yelled, “Daddy!” The crowd erupted in applause because parent and child were reunited. We can imagine the feeling of helplessness on the part of Mary and Joseph as they suddenly realized the Child was lost, or was at least not among the family. We can imagine the profound joy when Jesus was finally found. What would have raced through the minds of Mary and Joseph in these days?
Jesus is found in His Father’s house doing His Father’s business. Already at a young age, His mind was set on making the Father known. All of us have been lost and are trying to find our way back to the Father’s house to do the Father’s business. Sin has separated us from the Father’s House but thanks to Jesus we can make our way back. There is joy like what Mary and Joseph had in discovering and re-discovering the presence of Jesus in our life.
Today is the feast of the Holy Family. Let us pray for those who may have lost their way. Let us pray for members of the family who no longer worship or have been offended by our actions. Let us pray that during this season of family reconciliation, peace and joy will prosper.Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are there members of your family that you need to pray for and reconcile with?
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of my family. Though at times there may be misunderstandings and tension, help me to be an agent of peace, joy and hope. Amen.
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St. Egwin, pray for us.
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