Daily Readings - Fri Feb 02 2018

First Reading - Malachi 3.1-4

¹Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.²But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:³And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.⁴Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

Gospel - Luke 2.22-32

Luke

Chapter 2

²²And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;²³As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)²⁴And to offer a sacrifice according to that which 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 the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.²⁶And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.²⁷And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,²⁸Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,²⁹Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:³⁰For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,³¹Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;³²A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on themes of preparation, purification, and the fulfillment of God's promises. In Malachi, we hear of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord, a refining fire that purifies and cleanses. This passage, written during a time of spiritual complacency, calls the people to return to God with sincerity. In Luke, we witness the presentation of Jesus in the temple, where Simeon, a man of deep faith, recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. This event not only fulfills Jewish customs but also Simeon's personal promise from the Holy Spirit. These readings are intricately connected, as Malachi's prophecy of purification finds its fulfillment in Jesus. The refining fire symbolizes the transformative power of Christ, who brings light and salvation to all nations. Simeon's encounter with Jesus exemplifies the patience and trust required to await God's promises, encouraging us to remain faithful and attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. In our daily lives, these readings remind us of the importance of spiritual purification and readiness. Just as the Israelites needed to align their hearts with God's will, we too must examine our actions and intentions. Let us embrace the transformative power of Christ, allowing Him to refine us. May we, like Simeon, trust in God's plan and recognize the divine light in our midst. Through faith and trust, we can live as beacons of hope, reflecting God's glory to the world.