Today, we remember an extraordinary moment in the life of Christ. It is an encounter with John the Baptist, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, Jesus and his many followers. While Jesus’ baptism was symbolic in that he was without sin, it was a moment that God’s voice proclaimed Christ as beloved son.

Through our own baptism, we live and die and rise again in Christ, becoming adopted sons and daughters, heirs in hope of eternal life. God our Father says to each of us, “this is my beloved son and daughter, in whom I am well pleased.”

The baptism of Jesus reminds of our identity and mission; who we are and who we belong to. We are reminded that we are indeed a child of God, redeemed by Christ and made a member of His family. And what does this mean for us?

Our mission then is to honour, love and serving those around us, especially those who are forgotten and on the margins. We are sustained through prayer and the sacraments, encouraged to be co-creators with God in building up the King of God on earth, a kingdom of compassion, justice and love.

Jesus Christ, beloved son of the Father, transform, restore and heal our relationships within our families, friends and communities. Renew our trust in you and your plan for our lives. May we continue to recognize moments in our lives where the Holy Spirit acts and encourages us to love God and our neighbour more humbly and deeply. Amen.

Taken from the CCCB Reflection
Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

• Family Life. Even the pre-teen Jesus astonishes and worries his parents as they fret over their child! Those of us who are parents know this stress. But all of us, even us aged ones, are still children of God, dearly loved and called to be obedient.
  • How will I obey God this day?
  • What commandment will I keep?

What mercy work will I do? 
(Source: Diocese of Springfield)

• Blessing of family
  Many places have a tradition of blessing families on New Year’s Day or on the feast of the Holy Family. You may light a candle and pray these words…
  “O God, who were pleased to give us the shining example of the Holy Family, graciously grant that we may imitate them in practising the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity, and so, in the joy of your house, delight one day in eternal rewards. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” 
   
• Praying the Holy Family Novena
  Traditionally this novena is prayed during the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Holy Family on the Church calendar, but you can pray the Novena with whenever you are ready. 
   
• Resources for children: Feast of the Holy Family
  • Gospel Reflection: Jesus is God’s Son, but he was still a child. He needed Mary and Joseph to be safe. He needed to obey them. Sometimes we may not want to obey our family’s rules. We can remember that Jesus obeyed his parents. We can ask him to help us. (Loyola Press) 
    • Kid’s Bulletin for this Sunday
    • Colouring page this Sunday – Invite the children to colour in the accompanying illustration of Jesus in the Temple, and on the back to draw their own family. Encourage them to write what they like most about being part of a global family.
      Sunday Connection for the Feast of the Holy Family (Gr. 1-8) 
    • Children’s Liturgy for leaders/parents (with intercessions and activities) – by CAFOD | Illustration

Children’s Liturgy of the Word with Miss Heidi (Catholic TV)

Taken from Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary