Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

'The child grew and become strong'... This simple affirmation about the Child says something about the whole mystery of the Incarnation, about families, about holiness. Mary and Joseph grew into their role as parents of Jesus, beginning with their fulfilling the prescriptions of the law. We grow as a human family as we respond to the many different ways God calls us to holiness. 

by Joyce Zimmerman

Readings for Sunday 27 December 2020

First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 OR Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3

Psalm: 128 OR 105

Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 OR Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 or 2:39-40 (long form); 2:22, 39-40 (short form.)

Simeon with the Christ child in the temple

 "And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek ...

and he will purify the sons of Levi ...

like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord.' Malachi 3:1-3 

Let us meet the Lord in the Temple,

presenting ourselves with the baby God

in all his simplicity and nonviolence,

asking the Father

to burn away

whatever in us

is not of the love of God for us and for each other.

(Prayer above from St Michaels parish, Newark)

Prayer of the Faithful  (You could adapt the following suggestions)

For praying together as a family: that the Spirit will help to guide us to a deeper prayer life by raising our awareness to the daily experiences of 'God with us' and by listening closely in the quiet of our hearts to the voice of unconditional love.

E te Ariki...

For mentors, teachers, parents and friends: that their role in helping us to grow into mature faith will affirm and encourage efforts to use our gifts wisely.

E te Ariki...

For our Senior Citizens: that like Simeon and Anna in the Temple, they will remain constant and loving in their service to their community and continue to be exemplars of a strong prayer life.

E te Ariki...