The daily Word of God
Sunday, December 29th, 2024
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Luke 2:22-40 "They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord"
First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying:“Fear not, Abram!
I am your shield;
I will make your reward very great.”
But Abram said,
“O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be,
if I keep on being childless
and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?”
Abram continued,
“See, you have given me no offspring,
and so one of my servants will be my heir.”
Then the word of the LORD came to him:
“No, that one shall not be your heir;
your own issue shall be your heir.”
The Lord took Abram outside and said,
“Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.
Just so, ” he added, “shall your descendants be.”
Abram put his faith in the LORD,
who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.
The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would;
he did for her as he had promised.
Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age,
at the set time that God had stated.
Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his
whom Sarah bore him.
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R./ The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
R./ The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
Look to the LORD in his strength;
constantly seek his face.
R./ The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
You descendants of Abraham, his servants,
sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!
He, the LORD, is our God;
throughout the earth his judgments prevail.
R./ The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
He remembers forever his covenant
which he made binding for a thousand generations
which he entered into with Abraham
and by his oath to Isaac.
R./ The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.
Second Reading: Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
Brothers and sisters:
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place
that he was to receive as an inheritance;
he went out, not knowing where he was to go.
By faith he received power to generate,
even though he was past the normal age
—and Sarah herself was sterile—
for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.
So it was that there came forth from one man,
himself as good as dead,
descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky
and as countless as the sands on the seashore.
By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,
and he who had received the promises was ready to offer
his only son,
of whom it was said,
“Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.”
He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead,
and he received Isaac back as a symbol.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
They took him up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
- and you yourself a sword will pierce -
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
Dear brothers and sisters, peace and blessings.
Today’s liturgy reminds us that we are family. This celebration invites us to embrace a family mindset. It’s Family Day. We are all called to renew our commitment to our own families while also recognizing that we are part of the family of the Church, the Christian community. We are family: parents, children, siblings. God’s Word calls us to live this reality every day, not just at Christmas.
In the first reading, we find the foundation of family relationships in honoring our parents. We know it as a commandment: “Honor your father and mother.” For the Israelites, this was a way to integrate human experiences—like family life—into their relationship with God. This message is timely today, as families often face challenges and many of us struggle to find time to care for our elders.
St. Paul extends this concept of family to the Christian community. The Church is also a family, grounded in our relationship with God the Father, who has made us brothers and sisters through His Son, Jesus. For us, the word “brother” holds a deep, special meaning—it makes us family. Our focus as a family is Jesus. He is our model and guide. That’s why St. Paul gives advice to all family members—parents and children—based on respect, obedience, freedom, and most importantly, love.
This also applies to our parish community. In the community, we must bear with one another, forgive one another, and let love unite us. God’s Word should guide us through life’s challenges. A vibrant community is full of joy, song, gratitude, and celebration—and we, its members, are the ones who create this atmosphere. Each of us enriches the community, and in turn, we are enriched by what others bring.
On Christmas night and day, our focus was entirely on the Child Jesus. But even then, we were reminded of other key figures in the Nativity—Mary and Joseph, His parents. Today, we are invited to expand our perspective to include these figures and see the Holy Family as a whole. Both Mary and Joseph had unique roles in raising Jesus, helping Him grow and nurturing this small seed of humanity that is the Christ Child.
So, what can help us ensure that family life remains healthy and strong? Here are three key messages:
- Respect, especially for the elderly. Even when their abilities are diminished or they have quirks or flaws, we must continue to honor them. Let’s learn to see Christ in them, even when He is hidden behind their limitations. Let’s treat them with reverence and compassion.
- Cultivate positive feelings and actions. Family life should be a school of affection. Let’s build rich, emotional connections with one another—greet each other warmly, smile, offer hospitality, show concern, and respect each other’s need for space. Simple gestures like forgiveness, service, and small acts of kindness make a big difference. Those who practice love in the small things will be ready for life’s bigger challenges. When we reflect on how God has welcomed, forgiven, and brought us peace, we can extend the same to others.
- Seek God’s will in all things. Joseph sets a powerful example by listening to God’s guidance and protecting Mary and Jesus. When we seek God’s will, we live for more than ourselves, think beyond our own needs, and care for others as He cares for us.
Your brother in faith,
Alejandro Carbajo, C.M.F.
Greeting (See the Gospel)
Our eyes are seeing the saving love
which the Lord has prepared for all to see,
a light to enlighten the nations
and the glory of his people.
This light is Jesus our Lord.
May the Lord Jesus be always with you.
R/ And also with you.
Introduction by the Celebrant
A. For Holy Families Today
On this Feast of the Holy Family we think of all the Christian families. Are there holy families outside the one of Nazareth? Yes, there are, each in its own unique way, if the members, parents and children, love and respect one another and let God nourish and deepen their affection; yes, if food and joy and cares are shared; yes, if clashes are resolved in a way that lets people grow together in forgiveness and understanding; yes, there are holy families where the door is open in hospitality and where the Lord himself is welcomed in people who are poor and suffering. It is the Lord himself who welcomes us here today.
B. A Family Where Children Can Grow Up
In today's celebration of the Holy Family our Christian families are given a model. In many ways the Holy Family of Nazareth was unique and impossible to imitate. Today's scriptures stress one way in which all our families can follow them: seeking God's will and obeying it and finding joy and happiness in it even when that will demand sacrifices. Jesus is shown as someone who, from the child he was at Christmas, grew up to full maturity and who would carry out God's will to the very end. Like him, may we grow to maturity in our faith and our love.
Penitential Act
Let us ask the Lord to forgive us
for the times we have hurt one another
in our families and communities.
(PAUSE)
Lord Jesus, let your servants see
the peace of your forgiveness:
Lord, have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy.
Jesus Christ, you are the light of all the nations
and the salvation of the whole world:
Christ, have mercy. R/ Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are the glory of your people,
the sign of God's mercy:
Lord, have mercy. R/ Lord, have mercy.
Have mercy on us, Lord,
reconcile us with you and with one another.
Live in our homes and communities
and lead us to everlasting life. R/ Amen.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray to our Father
to make us all one family in Christ
(PAUSE)
God our Father,
you gave to your Son Jesus Christ
the warmth and security of a family
with Mary and Joseph at Nazareth.
Make your Son also share the life
of all our Christian families
and make your Church a community
where we learn to accept and help one another
as members of one family.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
Liturgy of the Word
First Reading Introduction: A Son As The Sign Of The Covenant
As a sign that God would keep his covenant with Abraham, God promises him a son in his old age. Abraham believed and was given a son.
Second Reading Introduction: The Faith Of Abraham, Sarah And Isaac
Abraham, with his household, is to all of us a model of faith in God and his promises.
Gospel Introduction: A Light To Enlighten The Nations
Mary and Joseph are told that the child Jesus is not theirs to keep for themselves. They must give him to all as the Savior of everyone and accept the difficulties of this mission.
General Intercessions
On this feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth, let us pray to God our Father as one family of God's sons and daughters. Let us say: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
- For God's family of the Church, that it may keep defending respect for life, the call to fidelity and love, the sacredness of the marriage bond, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
- For mothers like Mary, with a warm heart and a spirit of service, for mothers who keep caring for their children and teaching them generosity and courage, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
- For fathers like Joseph: industrious, sacrificing, and serving God, for parents who prepare their children to become free and responsible adults, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
- For couples who live together as strangers, that they may discover one another in patience and forgiveness and mutual trust, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
- For children, that as they grow up they may appreciate their parents and be grateful to them; for grandparents, that children and grandchildren may help and love them in the evening of their life, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord
- For all of us here gathered in the Eucharist, that we may share each other's lives and concerns as one big, caring family, let us pray: R/ Listen to your people, Lord.
Lord our God, Jesus grew up in a human family. May Mary and Joseph teach us to let Jesus grow up in us, for he is our Lord for ever and ever. R/ Amen.
Prayer over the Gifts
God our Father,
you invite us to share the family table
of Jesus your Son.
May the food and drink he gives us
change us into gifts to one another,
that we may become each other's
bread and wine, life and joy.
Let serving love and respect
be our offering to one another and to you,
today and tomorrow and every day,
on account of your Son in our midst,
Jesus Christ our Lord. R/ Amen.
Introduction to the Eucharistic Prayer
We thank today our Father for having given us the Holy Family as a model of love and service for all our homes. May our families be as responsive to God as the Holy Family was.
Introduction to the Lord's Prayer
United before God as his sons and daughters
we pray the prayer taught us
by his Son, Jesus of Nazareth . R/ Our Father...
Deliver Us
Deliver us Lord, from every evil
and let the peace of Christ live
in our hearts and our homes.
Keep us from all that divides us
or encloses us within ourselves.
Give us compassion, gentleness, and patience,
that we may prepare in hope and joy
the full coming among us
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. R/ For the kingdom...
Invitation to Communion
This is Jesus the Lord,
who comes to unite us
as sons and daughters of the Father.
Happy are we to be invited
at the family table of the Lord. R/ Lord, I am not worthy...
Prayer after Communion
God our Father,
Jesus your Son made himself near to us
in this Eucharistic celebration.
He has been here for us
approachable and available to all.
May he keep on living
in our homes and our communities.
Let him make us approachable
and available to one another,
even at the cost of personal discomfort
and, with Mary and Joseph,
ready for any task you may entrust to us.
For we can do everything
in the name of Jesus the Lord. R/ Amen.
Blessing
It was good to be together
as the family of God's people
and to pray with the Holy Family of Nazareth
for what is dear to all of us:
our homes, our families,
the Christian community,
the family of our nation and people.
May God bless you all
and keep you united:
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. R/ Amen.
Go in the peace of the Lord. R/ Thanks be to God.
