Readings: Feast of the Holy Family

First Reading Introduction: Honor Your Father and Your Mother
      The two foundations of family life are love and respect, says the Bible. Should these two virtues not remain the cornerstone of our homes today?

First Reading: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14

For the Lord established that children should respect their father; he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.

Whoever honors his father atones for his sins; he who gives glory to his mother prepares a treasure for himself. 

Whoever honors his father will receive joy from his own children and will be heard when he prays.

Whoever glorifies his father will have a long life. Whoever obeys the Lord gives comfort to his mother. 

My son, take care of your father in his old age, do not cause him sorrow as long as he lives.

Even if he has lost his mind, have patience; do not be disrespectful to him while you are in full health.

For kindness done to one's father will never be forgotten, it will serve as reparation for your sins.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R (cf. 1) 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 (cf. 1) 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 (cf. 1) 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 Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Second Reading Introduction: Life in the Lord
       Say and do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and you will have the right relationship with God and with people.

Second Reading: Col 3:12-21

Brothers and sisters: 
Clothe yourselves, then, as is fitting for God's chosen people, holy and beloved of him. Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience to bear with one another and forgive whenever there is any occasion to do so. As the Lord has forgiven you, forgive one another. Above all, clothe yourselves with love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. May the peace of Christ overflow in your hearts; for this end you were called to be one body. And be thankful.

Let the word of God dwell in you in all its richness. Teach and admonish one another with words of wisdom. With thankful hearts sing to God psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise. And whatever you do or say, do it in the Name of Jesus, the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as you should do in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not get angry with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, because that pleases the Lord. Parents, do not be too demanding of your children, lest they become discouraged.