📖 Mass Readings — 28 December 2025 | Feast of the Holy Family
First Reading: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-21 or Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 (The Flight into Egypt and Return) Catholic Gallery+1
(Note: These texts follow the common lectionary used in Singaporean and global Catholic Masses.) Catholic Gallery
🙏 Opening Prayer
O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family,
graciously grant that we may imitate them in practising the virtues of family life
and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen. church
📘 Summary of the Readings
1️⃣ First Reading — Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
This passage highlights the dignity and sacredness of family relationships, especially honouring parents. Respect, tenderness, and duty within the family are offered as both obedience to God and a source of blessing and strength. Catholic Gallery
2️⃣ Psalm — Psalm 128
A prayer sung joyfully about the blessings that come from fearing the Lord and walking in His ways — blessings not only on the individual but on their family, home, and work. Catholic Gallery
3️⃣ Second Reading — Colossians 3:12-21
St. Paul calls Christians to live as God’s chosen, clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, and patience — virtues essential in a Christian household. It goes on to outline relationships within the family based on love and mutual respect. Catholic Gallery
4️⃣ Gospel — Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
This Gospel recalls Joseph’s obedience to God’s angelic messages: first to flee to Egypt to protect the Holy Family from Herod, then to return when it was safe. It shows the protection of God over Jesus and the role of Joseph as guardian and obedient father. Catholic Gallery
🧠 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) Connections
Here are some relevant teachings:
• Family & Domestic Church
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The family is the “domestic church,” a place where faith is nurtured and lived out.
CCC 1655: “The Christian family… is the first place of education in prayer and in the practice of the faith.” -
Honouring parents and respect for life within the family reflect God’s plan for human communion.
CCC 2214-2231 (on the Fourth Commandment and family duties)
• Virtues in the Household
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Compassion, humility, gentleness, and patience are fruits of the Holy Spirit and necessary for peace and unity.
CCC 1832-1833 (Virtues of the Christian life)
(You can ask me to provide specific CCC paragraphs quoted exactly if you want.)
🪄 Reflection & Application
For Catholics
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❤️ Live the domestic church: Invite Christ into your home with daily prayer, Scripture, and family conversations about faith.
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🙌 Practice respect for life and parents: Show gratitude and care, especially for ageing or struggling family members.
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🤝 Forgive quickly: In the spirit of Colossians 3, let forgiveness be immediate — this mirrors Christ’s forgiveness for us.
For Catechumens
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🙏 Understand the family as a school of love: Your journey into the Church begins in relationships — learn patience, humility, and self-giving.
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📖 Delve into Scripture together: Read and discuss the readings with sponsors or prayer partners.
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💬 Ask questions: If a line in the readings touches you but confuses you, seek clarification — this is part of formation.
🙏 Closing Prayer
God our Father, who graciously bring us to share in the life of Your Son,
grant that through these holy mysteries the bonds of family affection may be strengthened,
and that each Christian home may become a place of faithful witness.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
📌 Sources for the Readings
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📖 Sunday Readings (Holy Family, 28 Dec 2025): Catholic Gallery — Daily Mass Readings Catholic Gallery
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📘 Singapore Church Sample (Collect & prayer structure): Sacred Heart parish guide on Feast of the Holy Family church
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