Gospel for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
December 27, 2026 · Luke 2:22-40
Jesus is presented in the Temple
We celebrate the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They take the child to the Temple, and Simeon and Anna recognize him. Luke 2:22-40
Liturgical color: white
This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words
When the days of purification were over, Mary and Joseph took the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Luke 2:22
This was what the Law of the Lord required. They offered a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Luke 2:23-24
In Jerusalem lived Simeon, a righteous man who was awaiting the consolation of Israel. Luke 2:25
The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. Luke 2:26
Led by the Spirit, he went to the Temple. He took the child in his arms and blessed God. Luke 2:27-28
He said that now he could go in peace, because his eyes had seen the Savior, a light for all peoples. Luke 2:29-32
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him. Luke 2:33
Simeon blessed them. He told Mary that the child would be a sign that would be contradicted, and that a sword would pierce her soul. Luke 2:34-35
Anna, a very old prophetess, was also there. She served God in the Temple night and day. Luke 2:36-37
Anna praised God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel. Luke 2:38
When they had done everything the Law required, they went back to their own town, Nazareth in Galilee. Luke 2:39
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him. Luke 2:40
What the Bible says
Luke 2:22-40
22And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: 23As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: 24And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons: 25And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. 26And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; 30Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, 31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 32A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. 34And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; 35And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. 36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. 37And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. 38Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. 39And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. 40And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
The other readings at Mass
First Reading
God wants children to honor their father and mother, and to take care of them when they are old. Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14
Responsorial Psalm
Blessed is the one who fears the Lord: God blesses his work and his family around the table. Psalm 128:1-5
Second Reading
Paul asks us to live with kindness, to forgive one another, and to love one another. He gives advice to husbands and wives, parents, and children. Colossians 3:12-21
The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org
What the Church teaches
Jesus in the Temple
Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the light of the nations and the glory of Israel.
Catechism 529
Life in Nazareth
Jesus spent most of his life in Nazareth: a simple life of work, prayer, and obedience to his parents.
Catechism 531
The domestic church
The Second Vatican Council calls the family the “domestic church.” Parents are the first to proclaim the faith to their children.
Catechism 1656
The color white
In the Christmas season the priest wears white.
General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346
To read with your children
Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple. Luke 2:22
Simeon took the Baby Jesus in his arms. Luke 2:28
Simeon praised God for the child. Luke 2:28
Anna, a very old woman, praised God too. Luke 2:36-38
Jesus grew up with his family in Nazareth. Luke 2:39-40
What do you like to do with your family?
To talk about as a family
- Jesus grew up in a simple family. What simple things make us happy at home?
- Saint Paul asks us to forgive one another. Is there something we need to forgive each other for?
- For the child: what do you like about your family?
This week
This week, eat together at least once without screens. Before you begin, thank God for your family.
To pray
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless our family. May our home be full of patience, forgiveness, and joy, like your home in Nazareth. Amen.