Daily Readings - Tue Feb 02 2021
First Reading - Malachi 3.1-4 or Hebrews 2.10-11, 13b-18
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
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.