A WORD FOR TODAY 27 DECEMBER 2020

A WORD FOR TODAY

WE CAN LEARN FROM THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

_"And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, now let you servant depart in peace, according to thy word;"(Luke 2:27-28)._

_*Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus Mary and Joseph. It is a feast in which God shows us an example of what our family should look like here on earth. This is what we must aim always to be like if we will make our home to be a happy place.*_

_The Family is a natural institution established by God. It is actually a gift from the Lord and we are all members of His family. In the book of Genesis the Lord made man in His image and likeness and also created a helpmate for him in the woman and gave them the power of procreation, to increase and multiply and subdue the earth._

_*In the first reading of today we see God bless Abraham and Sarah and He brought joy to their home with the gift of Isaac their Son. They waited for a long time for a son and never gave up, but continued to put their trust in God and He came at His own time and fulfilled His promise.*_

_Every human family on earth is blessed by God and when we recognise this truth, we will be able to live our lives in the family in such a way that God's name will be glorified. Our earthly family must mirror the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in love, unity and where respect for each other reigned supreme. By being a member of a family, Jesus consecrated the family and blessed it with His presence, we must always strive to make our home to be like that of the Holy Family._

_*Our family and homes should be a place where love, faith, peace, patience, trust, thanksgiving, compassion, forgiveness, obedience, prayer and joy will radiate always just as it did in the Holy Family. All these are possible if everyone in the family fulfils their responsibility. The Father has a role to play, the mother has a role to play and the children also have a role to play. If everyone lives up to their responsibility with commitment and sacrifice, then the Home will be a beautiful place.*_

_If our family will be holy like that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph we must learn to do what the Lord wants at all times and take away every element and habit of selfishness in us. Obedience to God is the key to a happy life. We must pray together and help and support each other to actualise their God given potentials. The family is the domestic church and we must love the mother Church and always strive to be thankful to God for His blessings which we receive through the ministry of His Church. We must trust in God and have faith that He will help us in our times of crisis and never give up on Him._

_*The family can experience crisis just like the Holy Family did, but they stayed together and overcame their challenges with faith. God is always near to those who call upon Him, let us learn to hold unto God with faith and He will help us in the challenge we are facing. We could see how Jesus performed the miracle that provided for the needs of the new family at the wedding at Cana in Galilee, therefore, if we invite Him into our homes, He will bless us and help us to overcome our worries, difficulties and challenges.*_

_As parents, we must try to show good examples to our children who will become parents tomorrow. Love and respect your children and give them the best and the children should do the same. If you are yet to have a child, do not give up but remain hopeful just like Abraham and Sarah and in His time He will visit you and wipe away your tears in His own way. However, If you are in the habit of fighting, quarrelling and cursing each other in the family, be rest assured that your child may grow up tomorrow to become like you and may even be worse than you. Therefore, if you want a peaceful and happy home tomorrow when you are old, work hard for it now when you are young by emulating the Holy Family and living out what the Lord has taught us in the law._

_*Good morning dearest one. Smile😊as you begin your day and do have a beautiful Sunday. May the Holy Family of Jesus and Mary bring you blessings in your family today. Amen. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Genesis 15:1-6;21:1-3/Psalm 105:1-9/Hebrews 11:8,11-12,17-19/Luke 2:22-40

*Watch-Word:* Make your family to be like that of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

*Every family is unique, but we have a beautiful example in the Holy Family, therefore, strive to let God be at the centre of your home and your family will be the best in His sight.*

(Feast of the Holy Family. Year B)