December 28, 2014 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

First Reading

God sets a
father in honor over his children a mother’s authority he confirms over her
sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from
them. When he prays, he is heard

he stores up
riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by
children, and, when he prays, is heard. Whoever reveres his father will live a
long life he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take
care of your father when he is old grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if
his mind fail, be considerate of him revile him not all the days of his life kindness
to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins

—a house
raised in justice to you.

Responsorial Psalm R. Blessed
are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Blessed is
everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit
of your handiwork blessed shall you be, and favored.

R Blessed are
those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Your wife
shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home your children like
olive plants around your table.

R. Blessed
are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Behold, thus
is the man blessed who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless
you from Zionand may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your
life.

R Blessed are
those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Second
Reading

Brothers and
sistersand Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and
forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another as the Lord has
forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the
bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace
into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one
another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your
hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be
subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your
wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in
everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your
children, so they may not become discouraged.

Gospel LK 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, sayingand 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.