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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14 or Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or Colossians 3:12-21
or 3:12-17
Luke 2:22-40 0r 2:22, 39-40 or Genesis 15:1-6 21:1-3
or Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 or Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
Luke 2:22-40 or 2”22, 39-40
Summary
In the first reading, John says the worldly life of pretense is passing away—even if it still
has the power to seduce—while the person who follows God’s will in this world endures
forever. In today’s gospel, Simeon, at the temple greeted the child and his parents. The
prophet made bold statements about the child that amazed his parents. Anna, the proph-
etess, fasting and praying met the Holy Family as she entered the temple. She talked
about the child to all who were looking forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. Then
Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth.
Reflection
Occasionally I attend daily mass at Holy Family. I am delighted and astounded by the
presence of such holy people. I feel like the Holy Family, I am in the presence of Simeon
and Anna. The people who attend daily mass seems so holy. Yet if you talked to any
one of them they would say, “who me?”
Woody Allen has been quoted as saying, “Ninety percent of life is just showing up.”
Showing up means going to every extent to be present at as many places as you can. The
more you "show up", the more opportunities you have to experience all life has to give
and truly find the meaning of the word adventure. Show up to school, to work, to enrich-
ment; show up for your children, your friends, your spouse, your partner, and family;
show up at anything! Anything is better than nothing. Of the remaining ten per cent, five
per cent is getting started, one per cent is following the directions, and three per cent is
finishing. The remaining one per cent of life is a mystery.
Simeon and Anna lived in the mystery, for that reason they were able to see the Christ
child for all he was and still is.
After Simeon and Anna speak prophetically about the potential of the child, the child and
his parents return to Nazareth where he grows in wisdom and
favor.
This gospel is to all people of good will, all who strive to be
disciples of Jesus Christ. Christ praises these little ones for be-
ing open to God’s revelation. Whatever your age or status in
life, each of us can be or service to the Lord.
Each winter after the New Year, our parish sponsors a mission.
These missions are meant to inspire and enrich the disciple’s