Sirach 3:3-7, 14-17 or Col 3:12-21 / Luke 2:22-40
The word "family" gives rise to many concepts and images, as well as ideas.
We can think of home, warmth, security, love and unity, as well as many other related aspects.
Yet our modern times have also attached other words to this word "family" : dysfunctional family, family problems, family quarrels, family breakup, etc.
In fact, many of society's problems can be traced and boiled down to the family.
So when we hear the word "family", what are the images and concepts that comes to our minds?
Certainly we would like to have the beautiful and wholesome image of family that we see in advertisements and magazines.
But our experience of family life or what we see in our families may not agree or may be even totally opposite.
Yet the model that the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph presented to us gives us hope and direction.
Though the struggles and difficulties of family life are real and present, they are not overpowering and overwhelming.
The Holy Family has shown that with God's love they could face all the challenges and difficulties.
Indeed, love will prevail and sustain the family's life and unity.
And that love must be expressed in concrete forms like family prayer and keeping to the religious traditions of the family just like how Mary and Joseph kept to the religious traditions concerning the family.
By keeping faith in the Lord and walking in His ways of love, the family will be a source of love and unity for the Church and the world.