The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Today the Church celebrates the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The assigned readings are Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14; Colossians 3:12-21; and Luke 2:22-40. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 128 (Psalm 128:1-5).

The Gospel reading is as follows:

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.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (December 28, 2014)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflection: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (December 28, 2014)

Msgr. Charles Pope: Focused on a Functional Family: A Homily for the Feast of the Holy Family (27 DEC 14)

The Deacon's Bench: "They knew profound hope": A homily on the Holy Family (27 DEC 14)

Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio: The Feast of the Holy Family: Piety . . . in the 21st Century?

The Sacred Page: "The Second Annunciation": The Gospel Reading for the Feast of the Holy Family (27 DEC 14)

Word on Fire: Keeping Your Family Holy (Feasts * Holy Family)

Dr. Scott Hahn: Our True Home (December 28, 2014 - Feast of the Holy Family)

CWR Blog: The Holy Family points the human family to the Heavenly Family (27 DEC 14)

Spirituality of the Readings: In the Shade (The Holy Family, 2014)

The Word Embodied: God Made Flesh (The Holy Family, 2014)

Historical Cultural Context: Children of God (The Holy Family, 2014)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Cyril of Alexandria (The Holy Family, 2014)

Word to Life Radio Broadcast: Feast of the Holy Family (26 DEC 14)