A. Introduction to the Holy Mass
Dear
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Good
morning!
This
Sunday, just a few days after Christmas, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy
Family of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Blessed Parents, the Virgin Mother and
Saint Joseph. We highly honor God’s institution
of the family as the vital cell of both our society and Church.
It
is really amazing and inspiring that the Son of God was born, grew up, and
accomplished His mission of saving humanity in the context of a family.
As
we pray in this Holy Mass for our own families, we also pray in particular for
our friends, Dominic Phạm Lê Hiền & Ann Nguyễn Thị Kiều Trinh, who are blessed today with the Sacrament of Matrimony. May the Lord God grant them the grace of
faith and strength in order to be true witnesses of His faithful love all the
days of their lives.
Please all stand for the entrance hymn.
B. Introduction to the Readings
a) First Reading: Sir 3:2-6.12-14
Respect
for, gratitude to, and love of parents are characteristic of those who
carefully keep the fourth Commandment of the Lord God that reads “Honor your father and mother.” The reward for good children is so great:
they deserve life eternal.
b) Second Reading: Col 3:12-21
The
foundation of Christian family is, according to Saint Paul, Christ Himself Who
brings with Him all the values which are essential to build up a community of
loving and caring persons, taking different responsibilities to serve the one
and same goal: to show God’s love in the form of human love.
Singing of
Responsorial Psalm (Ps 128: 1-2.3.4-5)
1/
Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! For you
shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.
R/ Blessed are those
who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
2/
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table.
R/ Blessed are those
who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
3/
Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the
Lord. The Lord bless you from Zion: may
you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
R/ Blessed are those
who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Hymns for Holy Mass
a)
Entrance: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
(EM 2014 # 42)
b)
Offertory: Our Blessing Cup (EM 2014
# 144)
c)
Communion: O Come, All Ye Faithful
(EM 2014 # 44)
d)
Recessional: Joy To The World (EM
2014 # 45)
