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The birth of Jesus already had been a struggle unlike any other for the two of
them. Instead, two different individuals make such prophecies about Jesus that
“[T]he child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.”
Mary and Joseph did not panic or rebel against these predictions. They re-
turned to Nazareth to raise Jesus. He, for his part,“did not regard equality with
God something to be grasped,” Phil. 2:6 although He is precisely that. In his hu-
manity, he accepts the role for a son described on the first reading.
May we allow the example of the Holy Family guide us in our family relations
and our service to God.
Prayer
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in you we contemplate
the splendour of true love, to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer, authentic schools
of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again experience violence, rejection and
division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized find ready com-
fort and healing.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.
(Pope Francis)
_____
Roland Simpson,
Parishioner