Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

On this Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Today, there are so many families going through a crisis, as well as so many families that are being born, so let’s  meditate:

1. Jesus. A child is a blessing and not a mistake. A child brings happiness to the family; the nine months of pregnancy are nine months of hope in a home. This makes me think of those who dream of having a child and can’t; of those who struggle to adopt a child to enlarge their hearts and battle against so many obstacles. A son or a daughter is sacred. In baby Jesus we see all those who consider themselves a child of God.

2. Mary. In the figure of Mary, we see a humble young woman.  Her humility is such that she always puts herself last, like most mothers do! And they endure so much for the family’s sake. I’m thinking of all those mothers who are even martyrs of their family.

3. Joseph. He is the figure of the generous, hard-working, attentive, and gentle father. Imagine the delicacy with which he treated Mary, the respect and love for Jesus. So many men today take care of their family and give up so much for them!  In Joseph we see the figure of brave men who face adversity, who dream and work for their family’s wellbeing. 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may we follow your example and renew our families. Holy Family, pray for us.

Remember that something good is on the way! 

God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.