31 December. New Years Eve.  Holy Family Sunday. Read, reflect, share, pray.  This special day, on the 1st Sunday after Christmas, that commemorates the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus, calls on every human family to be a holy family. Holy most simply means whole or complete, not just having our lives in order in a practical way, but living with awareness of God, and God’s love and mercy for each of God’s creatures, human and more, in and beyond our immediate circle. It means aiming at peace, beginning in the home and experiencing the “joy of love” Pope Francis speaks of in Amoris Laetiti his letter to Families.   Everyone, in every family too is invited to participate with the Synod on Synodality’s continuing process of listening, sharing and walking together for the future of the Church and of its families. 

Scripture: When the time came the parents of Jesus brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Simeon took him in his arms, blessed God and said,  “My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” They returned to Nazareth and the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and favour of God was upon him. Luke 2:22-40

BLESSING:  May the Lord bless our home and all who live here.  May our home be always filled with the presence of God, in the love, peace and joy shared amongst us. When there is conflict make us willing to be reconciled. May we always care for one another as a true family of God. We ask this in the name of Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen