Relationships within the Family
Saint Paul to the Colossians on family relationships.

Colossians 3:12-21 | Sirach 3:2-6 

Colossians 3:12-21

     Brothers and sisters:  Put on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with on another and forgiving on another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.  And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.  And let peace of Christ control your hears, the peace into which you were also called in on body.  And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish on another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
     Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.  children, obey your parents in every thing, for this is pleasing to the Lord.  Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they man not become discouraged.

Today's Missal, Oregon Catholic Press

Colossians 3:12-21

     Brothers and sisters: Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to other.  Don't worry about making a good impression on them but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently.  Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
     Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.
     Let the peace of heart which comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body.  And always be thankful.
     Remember what Christ taught and make you wise; teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts.  And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, and come with him into the presence of God the Father to give him your thanks.
     You wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what the Lord has planned for you.  
     And you husbands must be loving and kind to your wives and not bitter against them, nor harsh.
You children must always obey your fathers and mothers, for that pleases the Lord.  Fathers, don't scold your children so such that they become disc9ouranged and quit trying.

The Living Bible, Tyndale House Publishers

Sirach 3:2-6 

     God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother's authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them.  
     When he prays, his is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother.  
     Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard.
     Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.
     My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. 
     Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins - a house raised in justice to you.

Today's Missal, Oregon Catholic Press

Sirach 3:2-6 

     Children, hear the judgment of your father, and act in a way that you may be saved.  God has made the father honorable to his children and has confirmed the wisdom of mothers to their children.
     He who loves God will obtain pardon for his sins by prayer, will commit them no more, and will be heard in daily prayer.  He who honors his mother is as one who lays up a treasure.  He who honors his father will have joy in his own children, and in the day of his prayer he will b e heard.  He who honors his father will enjoy a long life and he who obeys his father will be a comfort to his mother.  
     ...Honor your father in work and word and all patience...

The Living Bible, Tyndale House Publishers

Colossians 3:12-21 | Sirach 3:2-6