Daily Readings - Sun Feb 02 2020
Malachi
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.
Hebrews
10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,13And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Luke
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
In today's readings, we journey through themes of purification, redemption, and the fulfillment of God's promise. The prophet Malachi heralds the coming of a divine messenger who will refine and purify God's people, much like a refiner's fire. This messenger prepares the way for the Lord, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing and readiness. In the Letter to the Hebrews, we delve into the mystery of Jesus, who shares our humanity to free us from the grip of death and to serve as our compassionate High Priest. His solidarity with us underscores His deep understanding of our struggles and His ability to aid us in temptation.
The Gospel of Luke presents Simeon, a righteous and Spirit-filled man who recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited salvation. Simeon's encounter embodies the fulfillment of Israel's hope and the universal offer of salvation to all peoples. These readings interweave the expectation of a savior, the fulfillment through Jesus' incarnation, and the recognition of God's plan in the temple.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace purification through life's trials, to trust in God's providential plan, and to remain open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Just as Simeon awaited the consolation of Israel, we are called to be attentive to God's presence and to live as instruments of His salvation. May we, like Jesus, walk in mercy and faithfulness, ever ready to embrace God's will and find peace in His Word.