SOCL, Holy FamilyB

Sunday December 31, 2023

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

See

Our Gospel today describes two very old people—Simeon and Anna—who are very attractive in their old age. They have lived prayerful lives of faith and, in particular, of hope and expectation. Being wise, they are people of discernment and they recognise the moment of grace, the coming of the Messiah. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be like them in old age? The secret is to be now what we hope to be then. If we wish to be serene, wise, discerning, full of faith—then now is the time: See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! (2 Cor 6:2)

Listen

Ecclesiastes 3:3-7, 14-17; Psalm 128 (127); Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:22-40

Psalm 128, Blessed Are Those Who Fear The Lord

Reflect

(Luke 2:22-40)

-It was a day that started without any expectation of something unusual. It turned out to be a day with a meeting they would remember for a long time. Perhaps you have had significant meetings on what you expected to be just an ordinary day?

-Simeon gave thanks because his eyes saw the salvation God had prepared. In what ways have you experienced God’s salvation in your life: an experience of being loved, or discovering a sense of purpose in life, or being touched by the wonders of creation? Give thanks for those memories.

-Simeon also acknowledged that not all would accept the light that would shine through Jesus, and this rejection would be a cause of pain to Mary. It can be a source of pain to parents, teachers, church ministers, and all who work for others when some reject values, projects, advice which would be for their good. Even within ourselves we can be aware of division, at times being open to the light of God and at other times resisting it. Have you known the pain of that struggle? What has helped you to keep seeking the light of God in your life?

-The final sentence speaks of Jesus as one who grew and became strong and was filled with wisdom. Recall times when you had a sense of growing up in some way. What brought that about? Think also of how you have seen growth in another person.

Pray

O God, you cradle us at the beginning of life and embrace us at our journey’s end, for you love us as your own. Bind our families together and deepen our faith, that, like the Holy Family of Nazareth, e may grow in wisdom, obedient to your word. We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit in the splendor of eternal light, God for ever and ever. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2023aa, December 31). Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123123.cfm

-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/