First Reading: A reading from the Book of Ecclesiasticus Sir 3:2-6. 12-14

Whoever fears the Lord honours his parents.

The Lord honours the father in his children, and upholds the rights of a mother over her sons. Whoever respects his father is atoning for his sins, he who honours his mother is like someone amassing a fortune. Whoever respects his father will be happy with children of his own, he shall be heard on the day when he prays. Long life comes to him who honours his father, he who sets his mother at ease is showing obedience to the Lord. My son, support your father in his old age, do not grieve him during his life. Even if his mind should fail, show him sympathy, do not despise him in your health and strength; for kindness to a father shall not be forgotten but will serve as reparation for your sins.

This is the word of the Lord

Second Reading: A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Colossians Col 3:12-21

Concerning the Christian life in the world.

You are God’s chosen race, his saints; he loves you and you should be clothed in sincere compassion, in kindness and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other as soon as a quarrel begins. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, to keep them together and complete them, put on love. And may the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together as parts of one body. Always be thankful. Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you. Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God; and never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, give way to your husbands, as you should in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and treat them with gentleness. Children, be obedient to your parents always, because that is what will please the Lord. Parents, never drive your children to resentment or you will make them feel frustrated

This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel Reading: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke Lk 2:41-52

His parents found him in the temple, sitting among the learned men listening to them

Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twele years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. Thay assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day's journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere
Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at this intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when thay saw him, and his mother said to him, 'My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you'. 'Why were you looking for me? 'he repliced. 'Did you not know that i must busy with my Father's affairs'. But they did not udnderstand what he meant
He then went down with them and came to Narareth and lived under their authority. His mother stored up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom, in stature, and in favour with God and men.

The Gospel of the Lord.