Readings for Sunday, December 31 — The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Suggested Reflection Questions:
- In the two options for the first reading, we hear about honoring our father and mother and also God promising that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. In this Christmas season, reflect on your relationships with your own family. Have you been honoring your father and mother? Your siblings? Is there someone in your family you need to forgive? Now, reflect on Abraham. Have you ever been promised something you couldn’t believe? Or didn’t think was possible? Last week, we talked about how nothing is impossible with God. The Christmas season is about the impossible becoming possible. Where have you seen this in your life or in this week?
- The USCCB gives us two options for the second Colossians reading — one omits the sometimes controversial and misinterpreted verses about the relationship between a husband and wife. How do you interpret these verses? Also, we are told to “put on” qualities in the second reading: heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Which one have you done the best at putting on? Which one do you need to do the most work on?
- In the Gospel, we hear the prophetic words of Simeon and Anna. How would you react if you were Jesus’ parents, watching this unfold? We also read the line about how Jesus grew up for some time after that. What do you think Jesus’ childhood was like? His young adulthood? What are some activities you envision him having done?