Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Reading I: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Reading II: Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem was more than 100 kilometers. Mary andJoseph had a ready excuse not to go because of the distance. The law itself exemptedthem because Nazareth was too far. People who lived that far were excused fromattending the big feasts in the Jerusalem temple. Not only due to the distance that theywere excused from going to the temple, but Jesus was at that time, twelve years oldand was still considered a child. The law was applied only at the age of thirteen to go tothe temple. Jesus joined His parents on their annual trip to Jerusalem.
Joseph and Mary were faithful Jews who practiced their religion wholeheartedly. They did not needlaws to compel them to serve God. They were people with a deep conviction who freely gave their loveto God. They did not go to the temple because it was an obligation. They worshipped because they hada living faith, and the Lord was the source of their strength. They went to Jerusalem because they lovedGod. For people who have the right priorities, they will always find the time for them. For those wholove, they will always find time, create time and make time.
Efren Tomas
In 2004, Father Efren arrived on Maui, Hawaii to be the Pastor of Christ The King Catholic Church in Kahului, Maui until 2012. He calls Christ The King his home because this was his first parish in Hawaii.
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