The Feast of Holy Family - Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Today is the first Sunday after Christmas, which is a time for families throughout the world to celebrate.  In today's first reading there are parts which make the modern world uncomfortable, but the basis for the writing is justice.  For if you have justice, you will know peace.  If you know peace, you will find love.  Love comes from knowing the truth, and in truth you will find God.

God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother’s authority he confirms over her children.
Whoever honors their father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.
When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My child, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you.

 Sir 3:2-6, 12-14

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.