Feast of The Holy Family

Gospel Passage
Luke 2:22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to
Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be
designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the
Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was
Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit
rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had
seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents
brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms
and praised God, saying, 29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your
word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And the child’s father and
mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother
Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be
opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul
too.” 36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great
age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eightyfour.
She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that
moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the
redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they
returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with
wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Questions for Discussion:
1. Simeon had waited his whole life to see Jesus and was so happy when he
finally held Him. How hard do you look for Jesus? Do you really want to be
with Him in prayer like Simeon did?

2. Simeon said his eyes had seen God’s salvation. Jesus is Love and came to save us. That’s why He was born as a baby. What did he come to save us from?

3. This weekend is the feast of the Holy Family, of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph. Every family is called to be holy. What could you do
to make your family holier, more like the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry