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Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord
1 John 2:3-11
Psalm 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 5B-6
Luke 2:22-35
Summary
“This child is set for the fall and rising of many”
Reflection
Children are a constant and daily part of my intentional life and minis-
try. My most useful knowledge of working with the faith development
of children comes from experience that was passed down to me from
my parents, relatives, friends and being lucky enough to be surround-
ed by awesome teachers and mentors.
In today’s gospel, the devotion of Mary and Joseph to their Jewish
upbringing brought the child Jesus to the temple in compliance with
the Jewish law. They were an example to Jesus through their ob-
servance of the laws of God; they were forming Jesus to value their
belief.
Consider the strong influence of faith that Mary and Joseph imparted
upon Jesus. Parents today who baptize their children have the same
strong influence and the most significant part to play in passing on
the Christian life. It is through parents that the child will come to
know the love of God.
It takes preparation. Preparation that is similar to the time of Mary
and Joseph in their weekly attendance at the synagogue to observe
the Sabbath, their observance of feast days, their preparations and
conversations for Passover. These would have been impressive les-
sons to the young Jesus just as a family praying together, weekly at-
tendance at mass and observing the liturgical calendar does for chil-
dren today.