Freeing Your Family for God - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Friends, I always love preaching on the Feast of the Holy Family because I think the biblical message here is very surprising. We say the Bible is associated with family values, and indeed it is, but they're probably not the ones we would automatically think of. We see this in the two stories that the Church brings to our attention today: the story of Hannah leaving Samuel at the temple in Shiloh, and the story of Mary and Joseph finding Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem.

Mass Readings
Reading 1 — Sir 3:2-6, 12-14
Psalm — Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5.
Reading 2 — Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17
Gospel — Lk 2:41-52

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[stephanieholderfield]

Bishop, to this day Jesus is still answering prayers. I prayed for over 15 years for a child, and I would cry during mass as I prayed, then at 45 I had a son; I was healthy and so was he. When I was in distress, I had a dream of Jesus and a vision of Our Beautiful Virgin Mary who came to reassure me all was well. We named our little boy, Malachi.

[Scott]

Bishop Barron I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you. I was raised Catholic and strayed from the church for many years. I'm finding my way back with you and Father Mike. I'm listening to the CIY right now to refresh what I learned as a child. Your sermons bring me peace and hope. Thanks for helping me come back home where I belong!

[alexrebello]

Dear Bishop Barron,

Your homily touched my heart at 81, 56 years as a priest. As a priest in ministry in Rome, Wales and in various parishes in Bombay, God has let so many persons get close to me. It has not been easy to let them go. But I did let them go despite the pain. It helped them grow. It made me grow as well. Pastoral bonds are at times stronger than physical bonds! I must let them go. Not a day passes, dear Bishop Barron, without listening and pondering your inspiring words. I thank God for the gift you are to me and so many others.

[RitaGatton]

When my daughter was little, two times she got away from me in large crowds. Both times as soon as I realized that she was gone, I immediately prayed to Our Blessed Mother for help. I prayed, "You lost Jesus. Please help me find Julia". Both times, I found her in just a few moments! If your child gets away from you, pray to Mary and Joseph for assistance.

[bjsechamps]

My condolences for the loss of your mother. Today marks 9 years since the last time I saw my mom. I took my parents to lunch and the movies on my day off, gave her a hug, and left them to enjoy the rest of their anniversary together. She passed away two weeks later. She had prayed for a son, and from the moment she found out that I was a boy, she prayed that I would be a priest. The day before we took her off of life support, I offered Mass for her at the hospital, and the first reading was Hannah’s prayer for a son.

[pattyhansen]

I straight up told my 21 yo daughter that I did not approve of the immoral ways in which she was living. I told her that while I could not change her, I could not condone it & I would not lie to her to pretend that I approved. I told her that I have to love GOD more than I love her; I have to love 'God's word & obey that, not coddle my kids, or anyone else. It doesn't make you too popular in the moment but she still loves me.

[margaretbillings]

Dear Bishop Barron, I really loved this sermon. It applies so well to my life. I was infertile for fourteen years and then very suddenly I became pregnant with my son. It turns out he is autistic and it has been very hard for us. I can’t see at the present what our Lord Jesus will lead him but I trust him that it will be very good. Please pray for us!

[Goldieloxs]

I lost my 3 yr old son Brenden Micheal in Disney World prayed and scrabbled all to find him on the Dumbo ride waving at us, thank you Jesus

[TruthWillprevail]

Lord JESUS I trust you. I need your strength as I struggle to provide for my children. I’m so discouraged as a single mom. God you gave me two beautiful boys both are special needs. I’m overwhelmed because they require so much from me. Every month is a struggle to not end up on the streets. Lord grant me strength to provide for my sons. With you by my side Lord I know all is possible.💕

[JDaddyBlack]

My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary together this year; we have 5 children and our oldest son turns 18 in May, he shares a birthday with St. John Paul II, ironically we attend the St. John Paul II parish in our home town. I really needed to hear this homily today! My wife and I were just talking about how this is the last Christmas with our oldest son before he is no longer a “child” and the bittersweet emotions of this fact pierced our hearts, and I’m reminded that without the Sacred Heart of Jesus being pierced, we would have no sacrificial redemption. Also, without the Blessed Virgin Mary having the sword also pierce her Immaculate Heart, we would have no Son of God to be offered up as a sacrifice for the remission of sins. It really brought to mind the suffering as a parent of having something so good you don’t want to lose it in any way. We of course trust in the Lord that the offering of letting him go in this emotional way, so that God can make of the offering a greater gift, will be worthwhile and will repay 100 fold in many ways! It also increases our gratitude for the gift of parenting with the hope of the rewards to come as God uses Him for His purpose and full potential. God bless you, and may our Blessed Mother cover you under her mantle. 🕊️

[SANDRAOSULL]

I'm going through the process of letting my son go! He moved in with his girlfriend and her mother💯, I want him back home😢! I feel neglected, I dont see him much anymore💔, but! I know I have to let him go, and pray🙏, he finds his way in life, and hopefully his way back to me, I pray I can be mesured, level headed, and accept the changes, with a heart like jesus❤! It is so hard! to keep human emotions under control! Jesus help me! Please🙏Amen!. 💯👍

[ceciliadreger]

This holiday season, I'm grateful for the love and support of my family. I don't give up praying for them. May God continue to bless their home and be filled with peace, love, and the kind of happiness that never ends. Bishop, even amid of challenges in my life. I don't quit acknowledging the good things coming in my life and thanking God for His presence every day. Please, drive safely home, and Merry Christmas everyone!
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
St. Matthew, pray for us.
St. Cynthia, pray for us.
Jesus, I trust in You!!!
Cecilia Dreger and Family ( ✨️🙏🏻🌾) Wilbur Sacred Heart Parishioners ( Bishop Thomas Daly and Father Prasath).

[amychase]

Thank you ! I’m like your father, I would love my children to be with me, both my sons are struggling, and I want to rescuer them, but I can’t, God has a plan, I beg him to take care of them. It’s breaking my heart.
Thank you

[stevecole]

I don't know how to respond, once again. It seems each sermon moves in me more and more than the last sermon. I believe you are a prophet of the Lord, Bishop Barron, and I thank Him each day for allowing me to hear your words. Thank you Jesus.

[nathanngumi]

Amen. 🙏 Holy Family, please pray for all families that God may give them the grace to follow your example.

[_stevenfoster]

My mother passed two weeks ago. Thank you for sharing about your mother. This sermon was a comfort for us in this heavy time.

[wendellalarmonie]

Thank you Bishop Barron for your reflection . Teaching us the meaning of the words of God. Being a catholic for 65 years, I still amazed how verse of the Bible, written more than 2000 years ago, is still applicable in our today life.
Amen and have a blessed week 🙏🏾🇦🇼

[PonTpon]

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”

[carakerr]

Thank you Bishop Barron. God bless you! I am working to be more loving to my family I thank God for the reception of the Sacraments to help me to be more Christ like to all of my family. Praying peace love and joy for all people ❤️🙏❤️

[GodsWhisper]

Every morning, I look forward to listening to your prayer. Thank you, Lord, for bringing this person into my life. Amen.