Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In each of today’s readings and in the Gospel, we hear about the family, parents, children, that is, about us. There are those of us who have been, are, or will be families in any form.  Any way one looks at life, there is a child within. Many of us are or will be parents, depending on the situation, born, adopted, or spiritual children, and we will always have parental responsibility in one way or another.
This Sunday teaches us about the rights of Fathers and Mothers, the rights of children, advices us how to show gratitude and mercy in return to our parents, and above all – between the lines – teaches us how to show gratitude to the Father in heaven who made this decision. The Gospel also offers valuable information: we have the remission of sins due to love, respect and mercy: ” Kindness to a father will not be forgotten; it will serve as a sin offering—it will take lasting root. ” (Sir 3: 14)
Saint Paul in his writing to the Colossians, left us an important message: ” Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. “(Col 3:12-14). We must realize that love is perfection, and all good done by us for our loved ones, wife, husband, or children is a deed good done in the name of Jesus.
Finally in the Gospel, Saint Luke teaches us how to care for the faith of our children, grandchildren, or godchildren, how to lead them on the path of faith to Christ. He teaches us how to expect goodness and love and how to thank God for a fulfilled life by showing us Simeon, who gave thanks to the Lord with these words: “Now, Lord, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 29-32). Today is about us, about the family, about children, but also about sins, mercy and finally about Glory.
However, the most important message is given by Saint Paul. His words are like the quintessence of this holiday: ” Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged. ” (Col. 3:18-21). Maybe we should treat it as our motto.

God Bless!