28 Dec
Sun
HOLY FAMILY
Ecc 3:2-6, 12-14
Ps 127 (128):1-5
Col 3:12-21
Mt 2:13-15, 19-23
(Ps Prop)
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The Feast of the Holy Family is a beautiful celebration that calls us to reflect on what it means to be a family as God intended. The first reading speaks of the honour and authority parents are given. Children are not possessions, but gifts from God, entrusted to mothers and fathers to love, nurture, and guide towards Him. In the second reading, St Paul reminds the Colossians of the responsibilities each family member has toward one another, rooted in love, forgiveness, and the peace of Christ. A family is not just a social unit, but a home where God's love can flourish.

The Gospel reading describes how the Holy Family, persecuted by Herod, was uprooted twice before they finally settled in Nazareth. Yet, in the midst of uncertainty and danger, we see their unwavering trust in God. Joseph obeyed God's command in faith, guided only by dreams, while Mary accepted his leadership, placing her trust in God through her husband. Their obedience and love are not signs of weakness but of strength - strength that came from living in harmony with God's Will.

The Holy Family shows us that a Christian family is built on faith, obedience, sacrifice, and above all, love. In them, we find a model for our own families, especially in areas of conflict, reminding us that despite hardships and challenges, when God is at the center, the family becomes a place of peace, unity, and blessing.



Bless all families, O Lord!



DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day jul be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
For Christians in areas of conflict.
Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
Elaboration

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