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Our Sunday Reflection - December 31, 2023
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
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The child grew and became strong, filled wtih wisdon.
Luke 2:22-40
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
When Jesus was born into the world, he was born into a family. Today we celebrate the Holy Family, a model for us all to emulate. Do we love and respect our children as Joseph and Mary did their Son? Do we love and honor our parents as Jesus did his own? Do we nurture the bonds in our family as the Holy Family did? On this final day of the year, let us resolve to pray to the Holy Family for guidance and support, as we look to them for inspiration.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Today we hear practical guidance and wonderful inspiration regarding treating those close to us, particularly family members. Sirach, which has provided moral teachings since the second century BCE, speaks of the honor we owe our parents, especially as they age. Saint Paul counsels the early Christians in the virtues that should direct how we treat others. Luke relates the profound responses the child Jesus elicited in the temple when Mary and Joseph presented him to the Lord.Reflections
- If using Sirach/Colossians: Written in the second century before Christ’s birth, Sirach offers pearls of wisdom that can still help us live a moral and faith-filled life. Today we hear the author make the argument that acting with kindness can offset occasions of sin: “Kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins” (Sirach 3:14). Whether to our parents or not, we certainly owe a debt to others in the times we have acted sinfully and selfishly. Kindness can stand against that debt. In the actual text, the verse goes on to say that kindness “will take lasting root” (3:14). Exercising kindness grows kindness. Even when we disagree or can’t get along, we can be kind.
- If using Genesis/Hebrews: Hebrews teaches a lesson about one of the most troubling stories in scripture: Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac. Here it offers an explanation for Abraham’s thinking. If God promised him descendants as uncountable as the stars, and God was worthy of his trust, having already produced a miracle in Sarah giving birth so late in life, then surely God must be able to perform another miracle to allow Isaac to go on to have children of his own. Abraham’s faith led him to place his trust in God and God’s plan.
- Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord because he was their firstborn son, no matter how he was conceived. Before he can even be consecrated, however, Simeon and Anna recognize the Savior of the world in this babe. In faith, they have waited all their lives—until they were of an advanced age—for this moment to come. Their fidelity and devotion to God brought them to the temple each day and allowed them to see deeper than anyone else there present, allowed them to see the light of the world who would shine forth for all to see, allowed them to see the eventual redemption of all peoples.
Question of the Week
How does my faith affect the way that I treat the members of my family? How can my faith help me grow to be a better parent/sibling/daughter/son?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, December 31, 2023
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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