- Dec 22, 2017
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Today is the first Sunday after Christmas; the Holy Family is especially honored this time of year. After all, family is vital to God's plan for us, so much so that He gave Jesus an earthly family of His own. Amazing! Please, let's take a moment to Thank God for the gift of family, and to pray for the grace of strengthening family bonds.
This Sunday's First Reading was from the book of Sirach, a wonderful wisdom book which was unfortunately removed at the Protestant Reformation. But to avoid a debate on the authenticity of Sirach (other threads already exist for that purpose), I simply want to share this passage about parents. Regardless of whether or not you believe this to be inspired, or simply the writings of an ancient Jewish sage, I'd like a discussion on the Biblical notion of family; please share other relevant Bible excerpts! Thank you & never stop praying for your family (and remembering to look for the blessings you already have!).
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14
God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.
Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.
When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.
My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you.
This Sunday's First Reading was from the book of Sirach, a wonderful wisdom book which was unfortunately removed at the Protestant Reformation. But to avoid a debate on the authenticity of Sirach (other threads already exist for that purpose), I simply want to share this passage about parents. Regardless of whether or not you believe this to be inspired, or simply the writings of an ancient Jewish sage, I'd like a discussion on the Biblical notion of family; please share other relevant Bible excerpts! Thank you & never stop praying for your family (and remembering to look for the blessings you already have!).
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14
God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother's authority he confirms over her sons.
Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.
When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.
My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you.
