Daily Readings - Fri Feb 02 2024
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
In today's readings, we encounter themes of purification and the fulfillment of prophecy, weaving together the Old and New Testaments. The passage from Malachi speaks of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord, who will refine and purify like silver and gold. This prophecy points to a time of cleansing and readiness for God's people. In contrast, the Gospel from Luke presents the actual fulfillment of this prophecy through the purification of Mary and Joseph in the temple, where they offer the humble sacrifice of turtledoves, signifying their devotion despite limited means.
The connection between these readings is profound. Malachi's prophecy sets the stage for the arrival of the Messiah, emphasizing the need for spiritual purification. Luke's narrative shows this prophecy realized through Jesus, the Messiah, who is recognized by Simeon, a righteous man awaiting the consolation of Israel. Simeon's encounter with Jesus illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise and the light of revelation for all people.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our own purification and readiness for God's presence. Just as Mary and Joseph humbly fulfilled the requirements of their faith, we are called to embrace humility and openness to God's plan. Simeon's patience and recognition of the Messiah remind us to stay attentive to God's workings in our lives. The moral lesson here is the importance of spiritual preparation and a willingness to embrace God's will, allowing us to recognize and receive the divine light in our midst.