Daily Retreat 12/30/07
2007 Dec 30 SUN:HOLY FAMILY F
Sir 3:2-6. 12-14/ Ps 127(128):1-2. 3. 4-5/ Col 3:12-21/ Mt 2:13-15. 19-23
From today’s readings: “Kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins.... Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways.... Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.... Rise, take the Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you....”
50% off Christmas?
Right after Christmas, stores start putting away their holiday displays, and advertise 50% off of Christmas merchandise. Too many Christians take the lead from such commercial standards and concur that Christmas is over for another year - but thus, they allow themselves to be gypped in their celebration of Christmas!
For December 25th is the beginning, not the end, of the Christmas season, which extends beginning with a great octave from the great solemnity yesterday, all the way through the Epiphany (feast of the Three Kings) and up to the commemoration of the Baptism of the Lord (celebrated January 13th this year).
So, really today is an integral part of our Christmas celebration, a continuation of our holy day festivities, and not a day to start packing things away! How appropriate that the first Sunday after Christmas centers on the Holy Family - Mary and Joseph certainly didn’t let their joy at the birth of Christ fizzle out right after His birthday, and neither should we!
Sir 3:2-6. 12-14/ Ps 127(128):1-2. 3. 4-5/ Col 3:12-21/ Mt 2:13-15. 19-23
From today’s readings: “Kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins.... Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways.... Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.... Rise, take the Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you....”
50% off Christmas?
Right after Christmas, stores start putting away their holiday displays, and advertise 50% off of Christmas merchandise. Too many Christians take the lead from such commercial standards and concur that Christmas is over for another year - but thus, they allow themselves to be gypped in their celebration of Christmas!
For December 25th is the beginning, not the end, of the Christmas season, which extends beginning with a great octave from the great solemnity yesterday, all the way through the Epiphany (feast of the Three Kings) and up to the commemoration of the Baptism of the Lord (celebrated January 13th this year).
So, really today is an integral part of our Christmas celebration, a continuation of our holy day festivities, and not a day to start packing things away! How appropriate that the first Sunday after Christmas centers on the Holy Family - Mary and Joseph certainly didn’t let their joy at the birth of Christ fizzle out right after His birthday, and neither should we!
posted by FrPitstick | 12/29/2007
<< Home