First reading
1 Samuel 1:20–22, 24–28
This is the child I prayed for: he is made over to the Lord.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 127 (128):1–5
R. Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Second reading
Colossians 3:12–21
Family life in the Lord
Gospel acclamation
cf. Acts 16:14
Open our heart, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.
Gospel
Luke 2:41–52
Mary stored up all these things in her heart.
Images from the Word
- After the feast
- Three days later
- Under their authority
- Stay there forever
- God’s children
Liturgical notes
The institution of the family faces great challenges in various parts of the world today, and it is entirely appropriate for the homilist to speak about these. However, rather than simply giving a moral exhortation on family values, the preacher should take his cue from the Scripture readings of this day to speak of the Christian family as a school of discipleship.
—Homiletic Directory, §121
In the context of our family, even if that environment is fragile, we can grow in life. For us who gather regularly at the table of the Lord, we are called to learn the Lord’s lesson that life is given for others. This pattern of Christ’s self-giving love in the Mass must flow into our lives so that we are disciples of our Master.
‘Our God has appeared on the earth, and lived among us.’
—communion antiphon