Called to be Holy

“I wish to invoke the protection of the Holy Family of Nazareth…it is therefore the prototype and example for all Christian families…St. Joseph was a “just man”…may he always guard, protect and enlighten families. May the Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of the Church, also be the Mother of “the Church of the home”…May Christ the Lord, the Universal King, the King of Families, be present in every Christian home as He was at Cana, bestowing light, joy, serenity, and strength” (#86). – Pope John Paul II

First Reading:  Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins

—a house raised in justice to you.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Collosians 3:12-21

Brothers and sisters:

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another,  if one has a grievance against another;  as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or indeed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses,

They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,  and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit  that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple;  and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,  He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;  and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce—  so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;  and the favor of God was upon him.

Reflection
By Pietro S. Albano

These past few weeks, Chiara's homework was to write 3 sentences about her baptism. She and her classmates were also asked to include pictures, if any. This was followed later by another homework asking the kids on what words the priest said while pouring water on the baby's head and what do the Chrism Oil and white dress signify.

Like in any of her homework, Nidz and I got involved in these assignments. Recalling her baptism and putting it into writing was a family activity we truly enjoyed.  I imagine that the Holy Family would have a similar experience when the young Jesus would have asked His parents about events in His life such as when He was presented to the Temple and how Simeon and Anna recognized Him as the Promised Messiah.  

To bring our daughter's baptism to mind keeps us all grounded on our calling as a family, as a holy family like that of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, humbly and gratefully we accept Your calling for us to be holy for You are holy. As You have guided the Holy Family in their many ups and downs, we entrust ourselves to You too in our own happy and sad moments. You are our strength, our consolation, our sure foundation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, accompany our families this Christmastime and in the New Year. Amen.