Feast of Holy Family : B: December 27, 2020

 HOLY FAMILY : A MODEL FAMILY

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3: 2-6 and 12-14

Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12-21

Gospel Reading: Luke 2: 22-40

   * First reading is from the book of Ecclesiastes. A brief description regarding the obligations of children towards their parents is narrated. Honouring of parents brings great blessings to the offspring. Children are instructed to take care of their parents in their old age with understanding and forbearance. Hence the commandment of honouring one's father and mother is not merely restricted to obeying them when one is young but also caring for them in their old age. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul gives some advices and guidance  for an ideal Christian family life. He mentions those great virtues like compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Above all these he says, put on love which is the perfect binding force for the family. He advises husbands not to be harsh with their wives and children. These advises and guideline are very much applicable even in the twenty first century. 

Child Jesus presented in the Jerusalem temple                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. A detailed account of the presentation of child Jesus in the Jerusalem temple is narrated. We are reminded that parents of Jesus followed everything that the law commanded them to do. The presence of two benevolent old people is also mentioned. Prophet Simeon and prophetess Anna were present at that time. They had lived prayerful lives of faith and hope. They waited in eager expectation of the Messiah. Being wise and guided by the Holy Spirit they recognized the moment of grace: the coming of the divine child in the temple. They were greatly privileged to hold the divine child in their arms and give praise and thanks to God for the great blessings they have received as well as for the blessings for the whole world through this child.                                              It is also mentioned that after the purification ceremony Holy Family returned to Nazareth to continue their lives in a simple and humble way. 

Holy Family is a model for all families in adhering to the will of God.