SUNDAY READING REFLECTIONS: DEC. 30, 2007

December 30, 2007
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

READING 1 :Sirach 3:2-7, 12-14
Reading 1 Reflection:

Families today come in many varieties. But whether we have two parents or one, foster parents or guardians, Sirach's wise advice is for all of us. God requires us to honor, respect, and care for those who parent us. We never outgrow this responsibility. Sons and daughters who are faithful in honoring their parents will be reward by God. God will bless them and forgive their sins.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

Parents and guardians have the responsibility to care for their children. Children "of all ages" have the responsibility to honor their parents and those who care for them. Why do you think God would want this? Why is it good for parents to care for children? Why is it good for children to honor and respect and obey parents in all that is not sinful?

Have I, as a parent or a child, been neglecting my responsibility in any way? How can I begin to be a better parent? How can I begin to be a better son or daughter?

One way might be to try for a little TLC at home: Talk, Listen, Compromise! Of course, basic values cannot be compromised or negotiated! But sometimes we can find a middle ground on an issue that both parents and children can agree on.

Another good rule is "Never say never," especially in accusations: "You never listen to me," or "You never let me do anything," or "You never help around the house." Try to leave the past in the past. We are each a part of a family and must contribute to it. Think ?from now on." "We need to get the chores done on time from now on," "We need to set a time for you to be home from now on," or "Homework is priority from now on."


READING 2 :Colossians 3:12-21
Reading 2 Reflection:

Families come in many sizes. There is the "little" family into which we were born. And there are many larger families we belong to like the parish, the community, the Church, and the human family itself. In all of these families we can find happiness by practicing the virtues listed in our second reading. These include compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, and patience.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

People who live closely together can give one another much happiness, or cause one another much misery. The writer of this letter seems to know this. He writes of peace, love, and wisdom. He also warns against bitterness and nagging. We express all of these attitudes through our words. Think about your words in the past few days. Have they been words of peace, love, and wisdom? Have they been bitter words, nagging words,
teasing-to-upset-someone-on-purpose words, sarcastic-to-put-someone-down words?

Current culture gives us the idea that insulting others, or making mean remarks about people, including family members, is funny. "It's just a joke. Lighten up." As a follower of Christ in today's world, what do you think? What does it mean to be a good family member today?

Gospel:Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Gospel Reflection:

Today it is common for families to move many times. So we can imagine how Joseph felt when an angel suddenly warned him to pack up his family and move to Egypt. But Joseph did not argue or complain. He listened, and out of love he obeyed God's will. Then, when danger was past, God called the Holy Family out of exile. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph finally had a permanent home in Nazareth.


Discussion Questions for Gospel:

The word obedience comes from a Latin word meaning, "to listen." Some of us have developed what is called "selective hearing." We select, or choose, what we want to hear. When God (who is working through our parents and others in authority) says, "Go on vacation," or "Take a ride together and stop for ice cream," we listen! At other times, it might be harder to listen to God and to our parents. What are those times? Why do you think listening and obeying is hard at times? What makes it easier at these times?

Why do you think Joseph listened to God? What might have happened if he had taken it easy and not bothered? Have you ever been like Joseph and obeyed and then were very glad you did?