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Sunday, December 26, 2010

CATHOLIC NEWS WORLD: SUN. DEC. 26, 2010













CATHOLIC NEWS WORLD: SUN. DEC. 26, 2010: HEADLINES-

VATICAN: POPE MESSAGE FOR FEAST OF HOLY FAMILY: PEACE AND CHARITY

RADIO VATICANA REPORT:
Pope Benedict XVI condemns violence, encourages charity

Pope Benedict XVI called for renewed commitment to good-faith dialogue and peaceful resolution to conflict on Sunday, as he condemned deadly violence against Christians in Nigeria, a church bombing in the Philippines and a suicide bombing in Pakistan that left more than forty people dead over the Christmas weekend.“Once again,” said Pope Benedict, “the Earth is stained with blood.”
The Holy Father went on to express his heartfelt condolences to the victims of these senseless acts of violence, and renew once again his call to abandon the path of hatred to find peaceful solutions to conflicts.

Reflecting that on the first Sunday after Christmas, the Church traditionally celebrates the feast of the Holy Family, which lived through the dramatic experience of flight into Egypt in order to escape the murderous rampage of Herod, the Pope said, “We also remember all those - especially families - who are forced to flee their homes because of war, violence and intolerance.”

Pope Benedict invited all the faithful present to join him prayer, to ask with strength that the Lord touch the hearts of men, and bring hope, reconciliation and peace.

Shortly after the Sunday Angelus, Pope Benedict made his way to the Paul VI audience hall, for a special luncheon with some of Rome’s poorest people, in the care of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity.

This year saw the 100th anniversary of the birth of the woman who would become Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, and Pope Benedict celebrated her as a reflection of the light of God’s love and a person who lived Christian charity toward all, without distinction, but with a special preference for those most in need. He said the 100th anniversary of her birth is an occasion for gratitude and reflection, for renewed and joyful commitment to service of the Lord and of all our brothers and sisters – especially the neediest.

After several courses that included lasagna, veal and roast potatoes, cake and coffee, the Holy Father visited with the sisters and their guests – his guests, greeting them as “Dear friends,” and telling them, “the Pope loves you, he carries you in his heart, he welcomes you all in a fatherly embrace, and he prays for you.” Before imparting his Apostolic Blessing, the Pope thanked his guests for sharing the joy of these festive days with him.
Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 11:58 AM 0 comments

WORLD: JESUSCARITASEST.ORG CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO ALL

JESUSCARITASEST.ORG REPORT:
We at www.jesuscaritasest.org wish you and your families a blessed and peaceful Christmas. You, the readers of JCE news, will be remembered at the Sacrifice of the Mass and in the prayers offered in this Holy Season. Please keep us in your prayers. It is hoped that you and your families make a renewed effort to spread the peace of Christ throughout the world. Make this year a Holy one; remember to keep Holy the Sabbath by regular Mass attendance (daily if possible), increase your family prayer time (ex. daily rosary, adoration), and be charitable and forgiving to your neighbors. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph should be our example. Charity begins at home. Keep your governmental leaders, church leaders and enemies in prayer. It is through the spiritual and corporal works of mercy that we participate in the sanctification of the world. This news service is provided to remind you of the spiritual and corporal needs of the Body of Christ. We must remember that our lives can end at any moment but the afterlife lasts forever. Therefore, we need to prepare for our permanent relationship with Jesus Christ, our true husband. God bless you always. Pax Christi+
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men of good will!" (Luke 2: 14)


AFRICA: NIGERIA- ATTACKS ON CHURCHES AT CHRISTMAS KILL

ALL AFRICA REPORT: At least 38 people have died across Nigeria after a series of Christmas Eve bomb explosions and attacks on churches.

Police are trying to defuse the situation amid reports that youths have set up barricades and set vehicles on fire.

There were seven blasts in two areas in the central Nigerian city of Jos, killing 36 and injuring more than 70.

Concurrently, three churches were attacked in the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri, killing six. There is no evidence that the two attacks are linked: no one has claimed responsibility in either area, but last Christmas Boko Haram, an Islamist sect, was responsible for violence in Maiduguri.

Observers say the situation is especially tense in Jos, where sectarian violence has claimed some 1,500 lives this year.

Jos lies in the middle of a country roughly split between a Muslim north and Christian south. But the attacks claimed adherents of both religions, as they occurred in crowded marketplaces.

The situation in Nigeria, one of the world's largest oil producers, has become increasingly tense as April elections near.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201012250008.html

Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 11:57 AM 0 comments

ASIA: CHINA: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS DESPITE PERSECUTION

ASIA NEWS REPORT: In the snowbound northeast of the country some non-official priests will be in many churches for midnight mass, to be with the faithful. In Xiamen the story of the Nativity staged, to help many non-Catholics who come to Mass on Christmas better understand.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - Chinese Catholics are preparing to celebrate Christmas with joy and peace, despite the recent events in the Catholic Church in China.

An underground priest, Joseph in northeastern China toldAsiaNews that he and his other two priests in the parish have to move about in 12 churches or prayer houses to celebrate midnight Mass and Christmas Mass for their faithful.

This year, northern China experiences extreme cold weather, as the temperature is now minus 30 degree Celsius. “To avoid the faithful travelling for a long way in the snowy weather,- he said - the priests would move about to say Christmas Mass in their localities.”.

Catholics are helpful in organizing prayers, novena and adoration of Child Jesus in the manger while Catholic students have organized activities for parishioners, he said.

“I hope our Lord who descend among us would grant us the permanent warmth,” he said amid the events in the Church in China in the past weeks.

In the south, Bishop Cai Bingrui of Xiamen, Fujian province, who celebrates the first Christmas as bishop, told AsiaNews that he prays that evangelization and social services in the diocese will be strengthened. He was ordained a bishop this past May.

Thanks to the young Catholics, Mgr. Cai said, they have organized a 90-minute drama based on the Nativity story to be shown before midnight Mass tomorrow at the cathedral. “This will give non-Catholics a clear understanding of the Nativity”, he said, since Christmas usually attracts many non-Catholics to come to churches.

Both Masses at the cathedral as well as the one on Gulangyu Island will take place at 8 pm instead of midnight. The church on the island will be in English and many foreigners are expected, and the Mass will be held outdoor.

Also ordained this year was Bishop Han Yingjin of Sanyuan, who issued his first ever pastoral letter at the time of Advent, calling for efforts for evangelization.

http://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-Christmas-of-Chinese-Catholics,-despite-snow-and-persecution-20341.html


Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 11:56 AM 0 comments

EUROPE: GREAT BRITAIN: MASS IN WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL TO CAPACITY

IND. CATH NEWS REPORT: Westminster Cathedral was full to capacity for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, celebrated by Archbishop Vincent with singing by Westminster Cathedral Choir and orchestra. The music included Mozart’s ‘Coronation Mass’ and Bach’s ‘Ehre sei dir’ from the Christmas Oratorio.

In his homily at the Most Revd Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, urged those struggling for faith to reach out and accept the outstretched hand of God. Archbishop Nichols said: "This holy night is as important as ever. On this night there will be many sharing Joseph’s struggle for faith. May they, too, reach out and accept the outstretched hand of God coming to us in the child so as to be close to us in our vulnerability."

Reflecting on the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Britain he said that it restored the confidence of Catholics. It has also made people value the importance of the spiritual dimension of their lives and want to give more time to their family and close relationships .

"The marvellous scenes during the Apostolic Visit of Pope Benedict in September suggested that faith in God is like an underground stream. Largely invisible, the stream nurtures so much fertile growth on a rocky landscape, and only every now and then, burst out in a glorious and reassuring sight. The Visit strengthened our faith and restored so much of our confidence. Indeed, faith in God is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be discovered afresh, and a gift which serves the deepest good of our society.

"There are other strong indications to support this conviction. Opinion polls conducted both before and after the Holy Father’s visit, indicated clear trends in public opinion. After the Visit, there were more people insisting that the spiritual dimension of their lives is really important. There were far more people saying that they wanted to give more time to their family and close relationships, and a significant majority agreeing with the message of the Holy Father that aggressive secularism is to be resisted as it minimises values crucial for our well-being."

The full homily text follows:

The events we celebrate so joyfully this evening form a story which has been told and retold over 2000 years. The telling of it has called upon art and poetry, music and drama in order to catch its beauty and express its meaning. Some attempts are more successful than others: they stand the test of time. So we are grateful to our splendid choir for giving us some of the best musical retelling of this Christmas story. And we love our carols, too.

This year we are also grateful to the BBC for the retelling of the story it has commissioned and broadcast over the last four days. I hope many of you had the opportunity to be moved by the beauty and drama of ‘The Nativity’ programmes.

There was one point at which their narrative departed from the Gospel accounts. When Joseph heard the message of the angel that he was ‘to take Mary home as his wife’, he did not do so. In the televised story Joseph’s struggle to believe Mary that her baby was of God, was central to the drama. It had to be carried through to the end.

This reflects a tendency in our society to present faith simply as a problem. Some cast belief in God as marginal and not a serious factor in how life is to be shaped. Today is a moment to challenge those assumptions.

At the end of the filmed ‘Nativity’, Joseph comes to believe that Mary’s son is indeed of God, born in a truly virgin birth. The Wise men, who travelled a thousand miles, bow in worship, exclaiming him to be ‘The Lamb of God come to take away the sins of the world.’ The hot-headed shepherd, Thomas, who struggles with the expectations of his faith, bends to kiss the child’s tiny foot.

This holy night is as important as ever. On this night there will be many sharing Joseph’s struggle for faith. May they, too, reach out and accept the outstretched hand of God coming to us in the child so as to be close to us in our vulnerability. The author recognises that faith in God appeals, even today.

In this he is not wrong. The marvellous scenes during the Apostolic Visit of Pope Benedict in September suggested that faith in God is like an underground stream. Largely invisible, the stream nurtures so much fertile growth on a rocky landscape, and only every now and then, bursts out in a glorious and reassuring sight. The Visit strengthened our faith and restored so much of our confidence. Indeed, faith in God is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be discovered afresh, and a gift which serves the deepest good of our society.

There are other strong indications to support this conviction. Opinion polls conducted both before and after the Holy Father’s visit, indicated clear trends in public opinion. After the Visit, there were more people insisting that the spiritual dimension of their lives is really important. There were far more people saying that they wanted to give more time to their family and close relationships, and a
significant majority agreeing with the message of the Holy Father that aggressive secularism is to be resisted as it minimises values crucial for our well-being.

This holy night brings a renewing light into our world, the light of revelation. This revelation is God showing to us fundamental truths which we cannot attain on our own. These are truths about our deepest human nature and truths about the nature of God. Some find such a notion abhorrent, for they insist that only that which can be demonstrated by observable facts and scientific investigation may be held to be true. Yet love and beauty continue to move us and claim our commitment. Often it is through such love and beauty, supported by reason, that we are drawn to recognise the hand of the Creator and the longing He has planted within us. On this night, in
great love, He shows himself to us that we may indeed strive to know and love Him.

The Creator’s gift to us, on this night, is indeed that of revelation, but it is given not in the form of a theory or a book, but in a person. Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God, opens for us a truth known and experienced in a way of living founded on our relationship with him. Such truth is indeed within our grasp, as the story we celebrate this night makes so clear.

Tonight, we also draw lessons for our living. St Paul is forthright, as you would expect: ‘God’s grace has been revealed and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God.’ This is the challenge of this Holy Night. God alone is the One who, properly understood, rejects no-one, forgives all, and invites us into the fullness of life itself. With God we live not with our eyes fixed simply on short-term happiness and gain, but on a long-term hope which carries us beyond sight and understanding to ‘the blessings which will come with the Appearing in glory of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus’.

Tonight we go out of our way to wish each other a Happy Christmas and New Year. May our good wishes be founded on the glory of the gift we have received in Christ Jesus. Our Happiness lies in Him, as he blesses our families and all our efforts. Our prospering in the New Year is best founded on the call of the Lord that in all we do we are never forgetful of those in need around us, especially in these testing times. The family of the crib, whom we praise this night, is a symbol of human solidarity, to be kept in our hearts long after the holidays are over. This will direct us in a continuing care for the most vulnerable and sustain us in a unity of effort. It is also a revelation of the truth of God. With this in my heart, I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Source: Archbishop's House

http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=17376

Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 11:54 AM 0 comments

AMERICA: CANADA: CELEBRATIONS FOR ST. ANDRE WILL BE UNIVERSAL

CATHOLIC REGISTER REPORT: St. Joseph’s Oratory will celebrate the feast day of its founder, the recently canonized St. Brother André, on Jan. 6. The only difference this year is the universal Church will be joining the Montreal community in these celebrations.

“Liturgically speaking, a person whose cause has been introduced for canonization can be publicly celebrated as a feast only locally — that is to say, where the person worked or died,” said Fr. Charles Corso, a Holy Cross priest at the Oratory in Montreal. “But once the person is canonized, that means that anywhere in the world people can celebrate an official liturgical feast day Mass.”

St. Brother André was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on Oct. 17, when he became the first male born on Canadian soil elevated to sainthood.

Corso said there have been Masses to celebrate the feast day at the Oratory for years, so this year won’t be much different in Montreal. He adds that through the Congregation of Holy Cross, there have been Masses for Brother André when he became Venerable, then Blessed, around the world.

“But we will expect more people to come,” he said. “Other than that, we’ve been honouring Brother André for years and years.

“What canonization means is that all around the world he’s held up as a model for Catholics: his life, his way of holiness, his humility... The universal Church may now celebrate his feast day.”

The Oratory’s official choir, Les Petits Chanteurs de Mont-Royal, will be singing at the 7:30 p.m. Mass, Corso said. The choir is made up of singers from the all-boys choir school, which goes by the same name. As well, select Masses throughout the day will have congregational singing with organ accompaniment, which doesn’t usually happen on a weekday, he said.

It won’t be the only celebration, however. Since the weather is always very cold and blustery in Montreal on Jan. 6, it’s hard to celebrate, said Corso.

“So what we do in the month of August — he was born on Aug. 9 — we sort of transfer a number of special activities for celebrating his birthday as a feast,” such as a pilgrimage to his birth place. “There’s probably more celebration and activities in August than in January.”
Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 11:52 AM 0 comments

AUSTRALIA: DIOCESE NEGOTIATES AGED CARE

CATH NEWS REPORT: The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has announced that it will enter into exclusive negotiations with Little Company of Mary Health Care for the transfer of CatholicCare's residential and community aged care services, said a media release.

Subject to the satisfactory completion of those negotiations, the undertaking of final due diligence by Little Company of Mary Health Care, and necessary government approvals, it is anticipated that Little Company of Mary Health Care would commence operating the aged and community care services of CatholicCare from April 1, 2011.

This follows a process during which several Catholic aged care providers expressed interest in continuing the aged care ministry of CatholicCare in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

A transfer will increase the long-term financial stability of the Diocese and help support its charitable and pastoral works and allow for the development of current and future ministry needs, said the statement.

Maitland-Newcastle's Bishop Michael Malone noted that Little Company of Mary Health Care has committed to the continuing employment of all of the aged and community care staff of CatholicCare, including those in the Corporate Office, on their current terms and conditions.

Bishop Michael commented that "While any decision of this type is always difficult and potentially distressing for those affected by it, I am satisfied that, if the negotiations and due diligence can be satisfactorily concluded, the transfer of the aged care services of CatholicCare to Little Company of Mary Health Care would ultimately benefit the people of the Hunter-Manning."

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=24657

Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 11:50 AM 0 comments

TODAY'S SAINT: DEC. 26: ST. STEPHEN

St. Stephen

PROMARTYR FOR THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Feast: December 26



Information:

Feast Day:December 26
Born:1st century
Died:35, Jerusalem
Patron of:casket makers; deacons; headaches; horses; masons

That St. Stephen was a Jew is unquestionable, himself owning that relation in his apology to the people. But whether he was of Hebrew extraction and descended of the stock of Abraham, or whether he was of foreign parents incorporated and brought into that nation by the gate of proselytism, is uncertain. The name Stephen, which signifies a crown, is evidently Greek; but the priest Lucian, in the history of the discovery of his relics, and Basil of Seleucia, inform us, that the name Cheliel, which in modern Hebrew signifies a crown, was engraved on his tomb at Caphragamala. It is generally allowed that he was one of the seventy-two disciples of our Lord; for immediately after the descent of the Holy Ghost, we find him perfectly instructed in the law of the gospel, endowed with extraordinary measures, both of the interior and exterior gifts of that divine Spirit which was but lately shed upon the church, and incomparably furnished with miraculous powers. The church of Christ then increased daily, and was illustrious for the spirit and practice of all virtues, but especially for charity. The faithful lived and loved one another as brethren, and were of one heart and one soul.

The rich sold their estates to relieve the necessities of the poor and deposited the money in one common treasury, the care whereof was committed to the apostles, to see the distribution made as everybody's necessity required. Heaven alone is free from all occasions of offence, and the number of converts being very great, the Greeks (that is, the Christians of foreign countries, who were born and brought up in countries which spoke chiefly Greek or at least were Gentiles by descent, though proselytes to the Jewish religion before they came over to the faith of Christ) murmured against the Hebrews, complaining that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. The apostles, to provide a speedy remedy, assembled the faithful, and observed to them that they could not relinquish the duties of preaching and other spiritual functions of the ministry, to attend to the care of tables; and recommended to them the choice of seven men of an unblemished character, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, who might superintend that affair, that so themselves might be freed from distractions and incumbrances, the more freely to devote themselves without interruption to prayer and preaching the gospel. This proposal was perfectly agreeable to the whole assembly, who immediately pitched on Stephen, "a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost," and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas, a proselyte of Antioch. All these names are Greek; whence some think they were chosen among the Greeks in order to appease the murmurs that had been raised. But it frequently happened that Hebrews changed their names into Greek words of a like import when they conversed with Greeks and Romans, to whom several names in the Oriental languages sounded harsh, and were difficult to pronounce. Stephen is named first of the deacons, as Peter is of the apostles, says St. Austin. Hence he is styled by Lucian, archdeacon.

St. Stephen had the primacy and precedence among the deacons newly elected by the apostles, as St. Chrysostom observes, and being filled with the Holy Ghost, preached and pleaded the cause of Christianity with undaunted courage, confirming his doctrine by many public and unquestionable miracles. The number of believers were multiplied in Jerusalem, and a great multitude, even of the priests, obeyed the faith. The distinguished zeal and success of our holy deacon stirred up the malice and envy of the enemies of the gospel, who bent their whole force and all their malice against him. The conspiracy was formed by the Libertines (or such as had been carried captives to Rome by Pompey, and had since obtained their freedom), those of Cyrene in Lybia, of Alexandria, Cilicia, and Lesser Asia, who had each a distinct synagogue at Jerusalem. At first they undertook to dispute with St. Stephen; but finding themselves unequal to the task and unable to resist the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke, they suborned false witnesses to charge him with blasphemy against Moses and against God. The indictment was laid against him in the Sanhedrim, and the saint was hauled thither. After the charge was read, Caiphas, the high priest, ordered him to make his defence. The main point urged. against him was that he affirmed that the temple would be destroyed, that the Mosaic sacrifices were but shadows and types, and were no longer acceptable to God, Jesus of Nazareth having put

an end to them. It pleased God to diffuse a heavenly beauty and a shining brightness on the saint's face, whilst he stood before the council, so that to all that were present it seemed as if it had been the countenance of an angel. According to the licence given him by the high priest to speak for himself, he made his apology, but in such a manner as boldly to preach Jesus Christ in the Sanhedrim itself. He showed that Abraham, the father and founder of their nation, was justified, and received the greatest favours of God without the temple; that Moses was commanded to erect a tabernacle, but foretold a new law and the Messiah; that Solomon built the temple, but it was not to be imagined that God was confined in houses made by hands, and that the temple and the Mosaic law were temporary ministrations, and were to give place when God introduced more excellent institutions. The martyr added, that this he had done by sending the Messiah himself; but that they were, like their ancestors, a stiff-necked generation, circumcised in body but not in heart, and always resisting the Holy Ghost; and that as their fathers had persecuted and slain many of the prophets who foretold the Christ, so they had betrayed and murdered Him in person, and though they had received the law by the ministry of angels, they had not observed it.

This stinging reproach touched them to the quick and kindled them into a rage, gnashing with their teeth at the holy martyr and expressing all the symptoms of unbridled passion. The saint, not heeding what was done below, had his eyes and heart fixed on higher objects, and being full of the Holy Ghost and looking up steadfastly to the heavens, saw them opened, and beheld his divine Saviour standing at the right hand of his Father appearing by that posture ready to protect, receive, and crown his servant. With this vision the saint was inexpressibly ravished, his soul was inspired with new courage, and a longing to arrive at that bliss a glimpse of which was shown him. His heart overflowed with joy and in an ecstasy, not being able to forbear expressing his happiness in the very midst of his enemies, he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God." The Jews became more hardened and enraged by hearing the saint's declaration of this vision; and calling him a blasphemer, resolved upon his death without any further process. In the fury of their blind zeal they stayed not for a judicial sentence nor for the warrant of the Roman governor, without which no one could at that time be legally put to death amongst them. But stopping their ears against his supposed blasphemies, they with great clamour rushed upon him, furiously hauled him out of the city, and with a tempest of stones satiated their rage against him. The witnesses who, according to the Levitical law, were to begin the execution in all capital cases, threw their clothes at the feet of Saul, who thus partook of their crime. In the meantime the holy martyr prayed, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice and the greatest earnestness, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." When he said this he had fell asleep in the Lord. This word is used by the Holy Ghost elegantly to express the sweetness of the death of the just, which is to them a test after the toils of this painful life a secure harbour after the dangers of this mortal pilgrimage and the gate to eternal life. The edification and manifold advantages which the church received from the martyrdom of this great and holy man compensated the loss which it sustained in him. Certain devout men took order to inter him in a decent manner and made great mourning over him, though such a death was his own most glorious triumph and unparalleled gain. The priest Lucien, who recounts the manner of the miraculous discovery of his relics in the fifth century, informs us that they were deposited about twenty miles from Jerusalem, by the direction of Gamaliel and at his expense. St. Stephen seems to have suffered towards the end of the same year in which Christ was crucified.

In the whole life of our divine Redeemer we have the most perfect pattern of meekness. During his ministry he meekly bore with the weakness, ignorance, and prejudices of some; with the perverseness, envy, and malice of others; with the ingratitude of friends, and the pride and insolence of enemies. How affecting is the most patient silence which he held in the courts of unjust judges, and through the whole course of his passion! How did he confirm this example which he had given us by spending his last breath in fervent prayer for his murderers! With what ardour and assiduity did he press upon us the practice of this virtue of meekness, and inculcate its indispensable obligation and unspeakable advantage! St. Stephen inherited more perfectly this spirit in proportion as he was more abundantly replenished with the Holy Ghost. No one who is passionate, unforgiving, and revengeful, can be a follower of the meek and humble Jesus. In vain do such assume to themselves the honour of bearing his name. In charity, meekness, and humility, consists the very spirit of Christianity; and scarce anything dishonours religion more than the prevalence of the opposite spirit in those who make a profession of piety.

SOURCE http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/S/ststephen.asp

Posted by JesusCaritasEst at 11:49 AM 0 comments

TODAY'S MASS READINGS: FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY


Sirach 3: 2 - 7, 12 - 14
2For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.
3Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
4and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure.
5Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard.
6Whoever glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother;
7he will serve his parents as his masters.
12O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives;
13even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him.
14For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you;
Psalms 128: 1 - 5
1Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways!
2You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
4Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
5The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!
Colossians 3: 12 - 21
12Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience,13forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.18Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.21Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.


Matthew 2: 13 - 15, 19 - 23
13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."14And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt,15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt have I called my son."19But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,20"Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead."21And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.22But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.23And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

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