Daily Readings - Fri Dec 29 2023
Luke
22And after the days of her purification were fulfilled, according to the law of Moses, they brought him to Jerusalem, in order to present him to the Lord23just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "For every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord,24and in order to offer a sacrifice, according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.25And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and God-fearing, awaiting the consolation of Israel. And the Holy Spirit was with him26And he had received an answer from the Holy Spirit: that he would not see his own death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord27And he went with the Spirit to the temple. And when the child Jesus was brought in by his parents, in order to act on his behalf according to the custom of the law28he also took him up, into his arms, and he blessed God and said29"Now you may dismiss your servant in peace, O Lord, according to your word30For my eyes have seen your salvation31which you have prepared before the face of all peoples32the light of revelation to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.33And his father and mother were wondering over these things, which were spoken about him34And Simeon blessed them, and he said to his mother Mary: "Behold, this one has been set for the ruin and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and as a sign which will be contradicted35And a sword will pass through your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Sermon
The Gospel reading today tells the story of Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus in the Temple, fulfilling the requirements of Jewish law for purification after childbirth. This act of obedience and devotion was not just a routine ceremony; it marked a profound moment in salvation history. Simeon, a righteous and God-fearing man, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. With prophetic insight, Simeon declares that Jesus is "a light for revelation to the nations" and the "glory of God's people Israel." Yet, he also foretells the challenges and contradictions that Jesus will face, and the sorrow that Mary will endure as a mother.
This passage invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, obedience, and the unfolding of God's plan. Mary and Joseph, though humble and obedient to the law, are part of something much larger than themselves. Simeon's prophecy reminds us that Jesus' mission is not only for Israel but for all humanity, and that His presence will stir both joy and division. The Temple, a place of encounter with God, becomes the setting where the past (Simeon's longing) and the future (Jesus' mission) meet. This moment in the Temple is a microcosm of the Christian life: a life of faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
As we reflect on this reading, we are called to consider how we encounter Christ in our own lives. Like Simeon, we are invited to recognize the presence of God in unexpected moments and to trust in His plan, even when it leads to challenges. Mary's experience of a "sword piercing her soul" reminds us that discipleship is not without its sorrows, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined. Let us ask for the grace to embrace God's will with courage and trust, knowing that our encounters with Christ have the power to transform us and bring light to a world in need.