This Sunday the 31st is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The Holy Family is seen as the model for the human family, the religious community and the Church itself. The celebration of the Incarnation has brought us to see God’s closeness. In the Holy Family we see the ordinariness of the life of Jesus, the simple acceptance by Mary and Joseph of the marvels of God. In the daily life of the family and community we can touch the divine, we can come close to God. But we have to learn to live centred on God, with respect and love for each other.
Monday, January 1st, Mary, the Holy Mother of God, (World Day of Peace). At the message of the angel, the Virgin Mary received the Word of God in her heart and in her body, and gave Life to the world. Hence, she is acknowledged and honoured as being truly the Mother of God and Mother of the Redeemer (Lumen Gentium, 52)
Tuesday, January 2nd, Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops, doctors of the Church. St. Basil, 330-379, Bishop of Caesarea, lived an ascetic life establishing norms for monastic life. He was a theologian of distinction. St. Gregory, 329-389, a friend of Basil, was Bishop of Sasima later of Constantinople. He retired to live a monastic life.
Saturday 6th, The Epiphany of the Lord. “The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Saviour of the world…In the magi, the representatives of the neighbouring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 528).