As parents, Joseph and Mary, took their Child to the Temple for the consecration

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Feast of the Holy Family*

*GOSPEL - Luke 2:22-40*

*First Reading - Sir 3:2-7, 12-14 or Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3*

*Second Reading - Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-18*

*As parents Joseph and Mary, took their Child to the Temple for the consecration*

*1) The first things that was done by Joseph and Mary was  the Child's Consecration*

Soon after the purification, the first thing, as it is reported in the Gospel, that was done by Joseph and Mary, the consecration of the child in the Temple 

Since it was the first thing that was done by Joseph and Mary, definitely it has its own significance and importance. This can be understood in the following way 

*A) Parents recognise that the child/new life is God's gift*

The very fact that the child is consecrated in the temple by the parents, shows that, the parents recognise the Gods miracle in their life, in the form of new life 

In fact new life is Gods great gift and we need to be thankful for the same

*B) Parents wish and ask for a special blessing from God*

When parents offer their child in the temple they also wish and pray for Gods special blessing upon the Lord

So this is also the reason why parents offer their child in the temple.

*C) Parents wish to begin the faith journey of the child from the Holy Place - Temple*

This is also another reason why parents offer their child in the temple, before they start anything else in their life. 

Temple is the best place to start the faith journey of the child, since it is the place of Gods presence and where we have deeper God experience.

*D) Temple plays a very important role in the life of the Person*

In fact many of the major events of ones life take place in the temple.

All the sacraments we receive in the temple and it is the place of constant visit by a person for the spiritual nourishment. 

The beginning of faith life (Baptism) and final journey of life (Death) take place in the temple. 

Final we are laid to eternal rest, near the temple (Most of the cemeteries are very close to the church). 

*E) Offering in the Temple creates a positive feeling towards life*

When a child is offered in the temple, automatically a kind of positive feeling is being created towards the life of the new born child 

It gives a kind of fulfillment that the child will be protected, blessed and guided by the Lord in evey situation.

It also helps us to develop a feeling that the consecrated child is holy and the child has special spiritual powers, to fight against the devil. 

*F) Its a sign that parents are even ready to offer their child for God's mission*

By this act, parents also show their willingness to offer their child for the spread of the kingdom of God.

*G) Consecration also increases the responsibility of both -  the parents and the Child*

Parents to give their best guidance in order to facilitate the spiritual growth of the child and the  child to imbibe the spirit of Christian spirituality and to grow accordingly

*2) As parents we need to realise the above facts in the lives of our children*

The primary duty of the parents to realise the importance of the aspect of consecration and its effects in the life of the Children. 

By all means the consecration has some positive effects on the life of the children. 

*3) As God's Children we need to offer ourselves evey day to God*

All of us are the children of God, and we need to understand the importance of the offering of ourselves everyday to God. 

When we offer ourselves we become more holy and we show our willingness to offer ourselves to work for the Lord. 

*4) Holy Family is our Model*

Model for offering the child to the temple

Model for carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the parents 

Model for knowing the responsible parenthood

Model for upbringing a Holy family

Model for facing all kinds of challenges and problems of Family life. 

*Wish you a Happy Feast of the Holy Family*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*