Feast of the Holy Family - December 28

Daily Prayer:
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

Entrance Antiphon:
The shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, where they found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:16

Opening Prayer:
Let us pray for peace in our families: Father, help us to live as the holy family,united in respect and love. Bring us to the joy and peace of your eternal home.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Alternative Opening Prayer:
Let us pray, as the family of God, who share in his life: Father in heaven, creator of all, You ordered the earth to bring forth life and crowned its goodness by creating the human.In history’s moment when all was ready, you sent your Son to dwell in time, obedient to the laws of life in our world.

Teach us the sanctity of human love, show us the value of family life,and help us to live in peace with all that we may share in your life for ever.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Today's Readings
Daily Meditation:
Blessed are those that fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Psalm 128
Every son or daughter can read the first reading and let it be a life long guide. The second reading is a wonderful guide for family life. We could all do well to prepare our New Year's resolution desires from here. The gospel is from Luke and brings us back to Mary. A sword will pass through her faithful heart.

May God bless all our families with fidelity and courage in loving as we have been loved.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,the peace into which you were also called in one body.And be thankful. Colossians 3

Today's Daily Reflection
Intercessions: Let us adore the Son of the living God who humbled himself to become a son of human family, and let us beseech him: Jesus, you became obedient; sanctify us.

Jesus, eternal Word of the Father, you made yourself subject to Mary and Joseph, teach us humility. You are our teacher, and your own mother pondered in her heart every one of your words and deeds, make us attentive to your word, and let us ponder it in hearts that are pure and good.

Christ, by your work the world was made, but you were willing to be called a worker’s son, teach us to work diligently. Jesus, in the family at Nazareth you grew in wisdom, age and grace before God and men, help us to grow in all things toward you, our head.

Closing Prayer:
God of such faithfulness,we are a big and messy family; both as humans and in my own family. Help me today to be especially patient and loving, and to forgive those who have hurt me. We may not look like "The Holy Family" I see in paintings, yet we are united with Jesus, Mary and Joseph because in your great love for us you sent your son to live in this world and to share in our human experience.

Sometimes I forget the sacredness of our family life and the privilege it is to be together in this bond. Help me not only love others as you love us,but to be more aware of those families in the world who struggle so much with poverty, war and disease. Help me to pray with and for them today and to carry an awareness of all families fleeing for safety, longing for the peace you offer to us all.

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.