A WORD FOR TODAY 26 DECEMBER 2021

https://youtu.be/VQigNSafVJQ

*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*THE HOLY FAMILY, A MODEL FOR ALL FAMILIES*

_"and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions"(Luke 2:45-46)_

_*Today the Universal Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Family. It is very wonderful this year that it is coming immediately after the celebration of the birth of Jesus and within the octave of Christmas.*_

_This feast moves our heart to reflect on the wonderful example that the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph has given to us as God's children here on earth who have come from different families, but have become members of the family of the people of God._

_*The Holy family is a model for us in responsible parenting. Joseph and Mary were conscious of their duty as parents and when they could not find Jesus they went in search of Him and they never rested until they found Him. Jesus also was a responsible child, because he did not stay back in Jerusalem to do evil, but to be in His Father's house teaching and listening to teachers.*_

_Whenever we fail in our responsibility either as parents or children, the corresponding consequences are bound to come and it seriously contributes to the moral decadence we find in the society._

_*The Holy Family is a model for us in unity. They were together in Joy and in pain. They never left each other. They bonded together in soul, such that what disturbs one, disturbs the other. They looked out for each other so well and made sure that they lived up to their calling in a very unique and beautiful way.*_

_Marriage brings couples together and nuclear and extended family are formed. The bedrock of the society is the family, therefore, if we do not aim to build a happy family through our responsible actions, we will definitely be building up a dysfunctional society through our irresponsible behaviour._

_The Holy Family is a model for us in love for God and the Church. Just as the family of Elkanah in the first reading went to shiloh to offer a thanksgiving sacrifice to God for the gift of Samuel, Mary and Joseph also took Jesus to the temple to honour God and to worship Him. We must love the Church, come together to worship God in His Church and also teach our children from the very beginning the way of God so that they will grow with the fear of God in their heart and love for the Church, the bride of Christ._

_*The Holy Family is also a model for us in love of our neighbour. We must love as Mary, Joseph and Jesus loved. They were humble in every sense and they compassionately with respect assisted anyone who was in need. We must let love lead in everything we do in our families and we will definitely be happy in this life and in the world to come. St. John tells us in the second reading to love one another. This is the Lord's command and if we keep it, we shall abide in God.*_

_Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a wonderful Sunday. May the blessings of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph come upon you in abundance. Amen. *And may the Almighty God bless you:the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* 1 Samuel 1:20-22,24-28/Psalm 84:2-3,5-6,9-11/1 John 3:1-2,21-24

*Watch-Word:* And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man.

_*The family that prays together, stays together. Let us build up a good family that mirrors the Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.*_

(Feast of the Holy Family. Cycle C. 26th December)