Holy Family

Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3 (Year B) (JB)

A reading from the book of Genesis

Your own son shall be your heir.

The word of the Lord was spoken to Abram in a vision, ‘Have no fear, Abram, I am your shield; your reward will be very great’.

‘My Lord,’ Abram replied ‘what do you intend to give me? I go childless.’ Then Abram said, ‘See, you have given me no descendants; some man of my household will be my heir’. And then this word of the Lord was spoken to him, ‘He shall not be your heir; your heir shall be of your own flesh and blood’. Then taking him outside he said, ‘Look up to heaven and count the stars if you can. Such will be your descendants’ he told him. Abram put his faith in the Lord, who counted this as making him justified.

The Lord dealt kindly with Sarah as he had said, and did what he had promised her. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the time God had promised. Abraham named the son born to him Isaac, the son to whom Sarah had given birth.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3 (Year B) (NRSV)

A reading from the book of Genesis

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision,

“Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield;

your reward shall be very great.”

But Abram said,

“O Lord God, what will you give me,

for I continue childless,

and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”

And Abram said,

“You have given me no offspring,

and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.”

But the word of the Lord came to him,

“This man shall not be your heir;

no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.”

The Lord brought Abraham outside and said,

“Look toward heaven and count the stars,

if you are able to count them.”

Then he said to him,

“So shall your descendants be.”

And Abram believed the Lord;

and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said,

and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised.

Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age,

at the time of which God had spoken to him.

Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him.

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac

when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Abraham was a hundred years old

when his son Isaac was born to him.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 (Year A) (JB)

A reading from the Book of Ecclesiasticus

Whoever fears the Lord honours his parents.

The Lord honours the father in his children,

and upholds the rights of a mother over her sons.

Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins,

he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune.

Whoever respects his father will be happy; with children of his own,

he shall be heard on the day when he prays.

Long life comes to him who honours his father,

he who sets his mother at ease is showing obedience to the Lord.

My son, support your father in his old age,

do not grieve him during his life.

Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy,

do not despise him in your health and strength;

for kindness to a father shall not be forgotten

but will serve as reparation for your sins.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 (Year A) (NRSV)

A reading from the book of Sirach

The Lord honours a father above his children,

and he confirms a mother’s right over her children.

Those who honour their father atone for sins,

and those who respect their mother

are like those who lay up treasure.

Those who honour their father

will have joy in their own children,

and when they pray they will be heard.

Those who respect their father will have long life,

and those who honour their mother obey the Lord.

My child, help your parents in their old age,

and do not grieve them as long as they live;

even if their minds fail, be patient with them;

because you have all your faculties do not despise them.

For kindness to your mother and father will not be forgotten,

and will be credited to you against your sins.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Ps 104:1-6, 8-9 (Year B) (JB)

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Give thanks to the Lord, tell his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples.

O sing to him, sing his praise;

tell all his wonderful works! R.

Be proud of his holy name,

let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.

Consider the Lord and his strength;

constantly seek his face. R.

Remember the wonders he has done,

his miracles, the judgements he spoke.

O children of Abraham, his servant,

O sons of the Jacob he chose. R.

He remembers his covenant for ever,

his promise for a thousand generations,

the covenant he made with Abraham,

the oath he swore to Isaac. R.

Ps 127:1-5 (Year A) (JB)

R. Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

O blessed are those who fear the Lord

and walk in his ways!

By the labour of your hands you shall eat.

You will be happy and prosper. R.

Your wife like a fruitful vine

in the heart of your house;

your children like shoots of the olive,

around your table. R.

Indeed thus shall be blessed

the man who fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion

all the days of your life! R.

Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 (Year B) (JB)

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews

The faith of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac.

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call to set out for a country that was the inheritance given to him and his descendants, and that he set out without knowing where he was going.

It was equally by faith that Sarah, in spite of being past the age, was made able to conceive, because she believed that he who had made the promise would be faithful to it. Because of this, there came from one man, and one who was already as good as dead himself, more descendants than could be counted, as many as the stars of heaven or the grains of sand on the seashore.

It was by faith that Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He offered to sacrifice his only son even though the promises had been made to him and he had been told: It is through Isaac that your name will be carried on. He was confident that God had the power even to raise the dead; and so, figuratively speaking, he was given back Isaac from the dead.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 (Year B) (NRSV)

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews

By faith Abraham obeyed

when he was called to set out for a place

that he was to receive as an inheritance;

and he set out, not knowing where he was going.

By faith Sarah herself, though barren,

received power to conceive, even when she was too old,

because she considered God, who had made the promise,

to be faithful.

Therefore from one person,
and this one as good as dead,

descendants were born,

“as many as the stars of heaven

and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac.

He who had received the promises

was ready to offer up his only son,

of whom he had been told,

“It is through Isaac that descendants

shall be named for you.”

Abraham considered the fact

that God is able even to raise someone from the dead-

and figuratively speaking,

he did receive him back.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Colossians 3:12-21 (Year A) (JB)

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Colossians

Concerning the Christian life in the world.

You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful.

Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, give way to your husbands, as you should in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and treat them with gentleness. Children, be obedient to your parents always, because that is what will please the Lord. Parents, never drive your children to resentment or you will make them feel frustrated.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Colossians 3:12-21 (Year A) (NRSV)

A reading from the letter of Paul to the Colossians

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,

clothe yourselves with compassion,

kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Bear with one another and,

if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other;

just as the Lord has forgiven you,

so you also must forgive.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love,

which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in the one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;

teach and admonish one another in all wisdom;

and with gratitude in your hearts

sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

And whatever you do, in word or deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,

or they may lose heart.

The word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Hebrews 1:1-2 (Year B) (JB)

Alleluia, alleluia!

In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets;

now he speaks to us through his Son.

Alleluia!

Hebrews 1:1-2 (Year B) (NRSV)

Alleluia, alleluia!

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;

now God speaks to us through the Son.

Alleluia!

Luke 2:22, 39-40 (Year B) (JB)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

The child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom.

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 2:22-40 (Year B) (JB)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

The child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom.

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,

just as you promised;

because my eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared for all the nations to see,

a light to enlighten the pagans

and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 2:22, 25-27, 34-35, 39-40 (Year B) (NRSV)

A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke

When the time came for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord.

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.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he would not see death

before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

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,

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

so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-

and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

When Mary and Joseph had finished everything required

by the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favour of God was upon him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 2:22-40 (Year B) (NRSV)

A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke

When the time came for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord,

(as it is written in the law of the Lord,

“Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”),

and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated

in the law of the Lord,

“a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

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.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he would not see death

before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

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,

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,

according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed

at what was being said about him.

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

so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-

and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

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,

then as a widow to the age of eighty-four.

She never left the temple

but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day.

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.

When Mary and Joseph had finished everything required

by the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favour of God was upon him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.