DAILY- HOMILY

DAILY-HOMILY

DECEMBER 30, 2005
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY

SIRACH 3:2-6,12-14
For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's
authority he confirms over her sons. He who honors his father atones
for sins; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. He who honors
his father is gladdened by children, and when he prays he is heard.
He who reveres his father will live a long life; he obeys the LORD
who 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 with him; revile him not in the fullness of
your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it
will serve as a sin offering--it will take lasting root.

COLOSSIANS 3:12-21
Brothers and sisters: 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.

LUKE 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, saying: "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.�

REFLECTION
As much as Joseph and Mary are the parents of Jesus, the Son of God,
they were also ordinary people who followed traditional customs and
complied with the laws of their nation.� They were perhaps surprised
by the attention given by Simeon and Anna to Jesus and they were
most probably very anxious about the importance of their son in the
future.�

Nevertheless, they raised Jesus as any normal parents would raise
their son.� They taught him and disciplined him.� Jesus probably had
to do daily chores and learn basic education like any other boy and
girl living in Nazareth.� Joseph probably had to work hard for a
living and Mary did her share of the housework.�

Perhaps it is this ordinary life Joseph, Mary, and Jesus led that
make them a role model for any modern Christian family.� Even though
they led a typical family life, they also led a life surrounded by
love, responsibility and caring for each other.�

We have perhaps read and heard of the difficulties and challenges of
the family in the 21st century.� Maybe we have experienced these
difficulties ourselves.� Perhaps we worry how our children will grow
up or how we can continue providing for their basic needs and
education.� But if we remember Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and their
commitment to each other despite all their difficulties, we can draw
from this and realize that our families too can weather and hurdle
any challenge or obstacle.� It takes responsibility, commitment, and
most of all - love.�

PRAYER
"Lord, may I never cease to hope in you and to trust in your
promises. Inflame my zeal for your kingdom and increase my love for
prayer, that I may never cease to give you praise and worship".

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray -
- for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the
unborn.
- in thanksgiving: all those who passed the recent nursing board
exams in Manila.
- for the enlightenment and conversion of Armando.
- for the continued good health of Elsa & Paolo.
- for the safety and good health of Albert Yap.
- for the continued and speedy recovery of Mike Torres.
- for the personal intentions, forgiveness, peace, reconciliation
and harmony of the marriage of Charles Conrad H.C and Cheryl P.C.
- In Thanksgiving: Lydia
- for blessings, protection and good health of the Pe Family
- for the speedy recovery and well-being of Lorenza Averilla
Montesines.
- Birthday : Nori J. Marasigan
- for the personal intentions of� the Marasigan and Gonzales Family.
- for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Birthday: Christopher S. Lim
- Birthday: Angeli� L. Chua
- Wedding Anniversary: Nelina & Malvin Agra
- Wedding Anniversary: Isagani & Arlen Caasi
- Wedding Anniversary: Joseph & Leslie Peralta
- for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our
prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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� 2005 Daily-Homily

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