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Sunday, December 29, 1996

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Holy Family


Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Psalm 128
Colossians 3:12-21
Luke 2:22-40

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the ten commandments for families

"The couple brought Him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord." — Luke 2:22

God is Family. He is three Persons in one God, the Holy Trinity. God made family. God, Jesus, became a Member of the Holy Family.

Only God knows how to make a family holy. God makes families holy in the following ten ways:

  • The Sacrament of Matrimony.
  • The couple praying together daily, or at least frequently.
  • The father leading the family in prayer daily.
  • The wife's submission to her husband (Col 3:18).
  • The husband's sacrificial love for his wife (Col 3:19).
  • God's planning of the number of children in the family.
  • The parents' discipling and educating their children (Eph 6:4; Lk 2:40).
  • The children honoring and obeying their parents (Sir 3:2).
  • Each family member repeatedly forgiving one another and repenting of sin (Col 3:13).
  • Saving each member of the family and making disciplesof them.

    • In this Christmas season, give yourself and your family totally to Jesus. He will give your family salvation and holiness.

    Prayer:  Father, make families holy and have them populate holy communities, parishes, and dioceses. Make the Church holy (Eph 5:27).

    Promise:  "Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns, and inspired songs. Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through Him." —Col 3:16-17

    Praise:  Praise Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary!

    Reference:  (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Leading Your Loved Ones to Christ.)

    Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, June 20, 1996


    Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 1996