Blessing in Disguise

“May the Holy names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph be on the lips of Christians at every moment.”

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. He who honors his father atones for sins; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. He who honors his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD who 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 with him; revile him not in the fullness of your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering--it will take lasting root.

Resp. Psalm: Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Second Reading: Col. 3:12-21

Put on then, 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 in deed, 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 Messiah 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, as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worship 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

I came from a broken family; my father and mother separated when I was a teenager. My father was based in the States while my mother lives with us. In spite of that, my father communicated with us as much as he could and my mother cared for us to the best of her ability. Relatives too from both sides supported us every step of the way. Lola Piling and Ninang Deedee (my father’s mother and younger sister respectively) provided for most of our expenses including our school fees. Mommy Rosie (my mother’s older sister) every now and then gave us pocket money and brought us to the mall for shopping or seeing a movie. The ‘loss’ we have experienced became a blessing in disguise. We gained more fathers in the person of our uncles; more mothers in the person of our grandmother and aunts; more siblings (older or younger!) in the person of our cousins.

There is a stigma that society sees in people who are products of broken families. Sadly, we become victims of other’s prejudice or ill-will as though we have cursed by God, that we are an unholy family. On the bright side, the care we have received from our extended family (Families in the Philippines are so blessed having one!) makes us think that we are loved, convinces us that we are precious, inspires us to become better and holy persons!

As we continue our Christmas celebration, let us be thankful for being a part of a family. Let us be grateful for those who have unconditionally showered us with love and affection - let us be loving to our own family. Let us also be forgiving to those who failed to show us compassion and concern – let us return love for hatred, warmth for coldness, understanding for narrow-mindedness. Only then could our families become holy like the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of a family. By Your love, You have sanctified family life by sending Your Son to be part of a family. Bless too our own families. Make us faithful to one another as You have been faithful. Empower us to love one another as Your Son has commanded us. Heal us so we can be whole again according to Your plan. Stay with us for You alone could make us holy.

Welcome into Your kingdom all our loved ones who have now passed away. They reminded us of Your love. In their memory, may we also be a sign of Your love for others.

We make our prayer through Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Amen.