December 30, 2018 

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Saint of the day

Saint Egwin (d.717)

Saint Egwin was born to a noble family in Worcester, England. After joining a monastery, he was eagerly welcomed by royalty, the clergy, and the townspeople when he was appointed bishop of Worcester. His popularity soon began to wane, due to his extremely severe nature. He let his zeal and love of reform and discipline go too far, and was ordered to Rome to face the charges against him. The charges against Egwin were dropped, but he decided to found a monastery instead of return to his previous duties as bishop. He founded his monastery on the site that was revealed to him by Mary, who appeared to him in a vision. He also dedicated the monastery to the Blessed Virgin. After Saint Egwin was called to his heavenly home, many miracles were credited to him.

Reflection

Saint Egwin was overly zealous when it came to his love of reform and discipline, which caused people to become angry. Ask the Lord to help you follow his laws and commandments, but not to be overly severe when enforcing them. Ask the Lord to help you teach his message with love and kindness.

Prayer

God of justice, you have established the Law and sent Jesus to fulfill it for us. Please help me to understand why laws and commandments are so important in helping to keep me free. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Liturgical season information

Lectionary: 17

Place in Year: Christmas

Color of decorations and priest's vestments: White

Daily readings

Reading 1: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Alternate Reading 1: 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Alternate Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10

Alternate Responsorial Psalm: Collossians 3:12-17

Alternate Responsorial Psalm: 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24

Alleluia: Collossians 3:15a, 16a

Alternate Alleluia: Cf Acts 16:14b

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

View complete readings on USCCB.org
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