The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, December 31, 2023

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, December 31, 2023

As we celebrate today the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a family of faith, love, and prayer, we bring our needs and the needs of our families to God, the Father of us all. 

1. That the Church will know the Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph to be Holy because of its acceptance of God’s will in trials, sorrow, and joy so that our families will be inspired to grow together in hope, mutual support, and love.  We pray to the Lord.
2. That the human family will understand the sanctity of cultures, heritages, and individuals; strive to put aside all enmity; and seek peace through justice and mercy.  We pray to the Lord. 
3. That we will be like Anna, living many years worshiping the Lord in all the actions of her life and testifying to the redemption that God offers us through his Son.  We pray to the Lord.
4. That we may be like Simeon, who saw Jesus as the light of revelation for all peoples, and know that evil in the world is not from God but is a contradiction to the salvation offered to each of us.  We pray to the Lord.
5. That the Church will be a welcoming presence for the elderly, parents, and young children where all families may encounter Jesus and grow as he did — strong, filled with wisdom, and dwelling in the favor of God.  We pray to the Lord.
6. That we will be like Abraham when we are called by God, not knowing where we are to go or understanding God’s ways, but willing to follow in faith, confident in his promise that he is with us.  We pray to the Lord.
7. That we will honor our fathers and mothers when we are young and be honored by our children when we are old so that the debt of sin will be removed and justice will prevail throughout our homes.  We pray to the Lord.
8. That we may act with heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, able to bear with and forgive one another so that the peace of Christ may dwell within us and control our hearts.  We pray to the Lord.
9. That innocent families being trampled by the violence and hatred of war may not lose hope for peace or belief in the goodness of humanity, but will look to the Holy Family as an example of mutual love and persistence in the face of evil.   We pray to the Lord.
10. That those who are old and whose minds are failing may receive the consideration of their families and communities that exemplifies the respect that is due to all human life.  We pray to the Lord.
11. That those who mourn the death of family members and loved ones will be uplifted by the new life of the Incarnation and give thanks for lives well-lived and shared.  We pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, inspired by the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we ask for the grace to be instruments of your peace in our families so that the virtues of joy, love, and hope may flourish.  We offer our prayers through Christ our Lord.  Amen.