First Reading
Sir 3, 2-6.12-14
For the Lord established that children should respect their father; he confirmed the
right of the mother over her sons. Whoever honours his father atones for his sins; he
who gives glory to his mother prepares a treasure for himself. Whoever honours his
father will receive joy from his own children and will be heard when he prays.
Whoever glorifies his father will have a long life. Whoever obeys the Lord gives
comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father in his old age, do not cause
him sorrow as long as he lives. Even if he has lost his mind, have patience; do not be
disrespectful to him while you are in full health. For kindness done to one's father will
never be forgotten, it will serve as reparation for your sins.
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed are you who fear the Lord
and walk in his ways.
You will eat the fruit of your toil;
you will be blessed and favoured.
Your wife, like a vine,
will bear fruits in your home;
your children, like olive shoots
will stand around your table.
Such are the blessings bestowed
upon the man who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion.
May you see Jerusalem prosperous
all the days of your life.
Second Reading
Col 3, 12-21
You are God’s chosen people, holy and beloved of him. Put on compassion, kindness,
humility, meekness and patience to bear with one another and forgive whenever there
is any occasion to do so. As the Lord has forgiven you, forgive one another. When
you have put on all these, take love as your belt so that the dress be perfect. May
the peace of Christ overflow in your hearts; for this end you were called to be one
body. And be thankful. Let the word of God dwell in you in all its richness. Teach and
admonish one another with words of wisdom. With thankful hearts sing to God
psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise. And whatever you do or say, do it in the
Name of Jesus, the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit
yourselves to your husbands, as you should do in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives
and do not get angry with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, because
that pleases the Lord. Parents, do not be too demanding of your children, lest they
become discouraged.
Gospel
Lk 2, 41-52
Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover, as was
customary. And when Jesus was twelve years old, he went up with them according to
the custom for this feast. After the festival was over, they returned, but the boy Jesus
remained in Jerusalem and his parents did not know it. They thought he was in the
company and after walking the whole day they looked for him among their relatives
and friends. As they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem searching for him,
and on the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers,
listening to them and asking questions. And all the people were amazed at his
understanding and his answers. His parents were very surprised when they saw him
and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I
were very worried while searching for you." Then he said to them, "Why were you
looking for me? Do you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did
not understand this answer. Jesus went down with them, returning to Nazareth, and he
continued to be subject to them. As for his mother, she kept all these things in her
heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and age, and in divine and human favour.