The Feast of the Holy Family: B: December 31, 2023

 THE 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  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 by taking care of them in their old age.

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul gives some practical 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 to be united. He advises husbands not to be harsh with their wives and children. He asks everyone in the family to have mutual respect and genuine concern for one another. These guidelines of Paul are very much applicable even in the twenty-first century. 

Child Jesus is 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 the parents of Jesus followed everything that the law commanded them to do. The presence of two benevolent and elderly people is also mentioned: Prophet Simeon and Prophetess Anna get the opportunity to meet the divine Child in the temple. They had lived prayerful lives of faith and hope. They had waited in eager expectation for the Messiah. Being wise and guided by the Holy Spirit, they recognize the moment of grace: The coming of the divine Child in the temple. They are 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 many blessings for the whole world through this Child. After the purification ceremony, the Holy Family returns to Nazareth to continue their lives in a simple and humble way. The Holy Family is a model for all families in adhering to the will of God in all circumstances of life.