Daily Readings - Tue Feb 02 2021
First Reading - Malachi 3.1-4 or Hebrews 2.10-11, 13b-18
Malachi
1"Behold, I send my messenger and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.2But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.3He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.4Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.
Hebrews
10For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,13And again, "I will put my trust in him."And again, "Behold, I and the children God has given me."14Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.16For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.17Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.18For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Luke
22And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord")24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.27And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,29"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word;30for my eyes have seen your salvation31that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the theme of preparation and purification in our journey toward God. In the first reading from Malachi, the prophet speaks of the Lord’s messenger who will come to refine and purify the people, preparing them for the arrival of the Sovereign. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of God’s presence, likening it to a refining fire that cleanses and strengthens us. It reminds us that our encounter with God requires us to be ready, to let go of impurities, and to be open to His divine work in our lives.
The Gospel from Luke presents the scene of Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the temple for the ritual of purification, as prescribed by the law. Here, Simeon, a righteous and Spirit-filled man, recognizes the child as the long-awaited Messiah. Simeon’s prayer, known as the *Nunc Dimittis*, expresses his deep trust in God’s promises and his readiness to depart in peace, having seen the salvation prepared for all humanity. This moment highlights the intersection of faith, patience, and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Both readings remind us of the importance of preparation and openness to God’s will. Just as Malachi calls us to purification and Simeon exemplifies trust in God’s timing, we are invited to reflect on our own lives. Are we preparing our hearts for the Lord’s presence? Are we attentive to the ways God speaks to us, even in unexpected moments? The readings encourage us to embrace a spirit of humility, patience, and faith, knowing that God’s plan unfolds in His own time. Let us, like Simeon, remain faithful and open to the Holy Spirit, trusting that we, too, will see the light of salvation in our lives and in the world.