Daily Readings - Fri Dec 29 2023
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.33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Sermon
The Gospel reading today tells the story of Mary and Joseph presenting the infant Jesus in the Temple, fulfilling the requirements of Jewish law for purification after childbirth. This act of obedience and devotion was not just a routine ceremony; it marked a profound moment in salvation history. Simeon, a righteous and God-fearing man, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. With prophetic insight, Simeon declares that Jesus is "a light for revelation to the nations" and the "glory of God's people Israel." Yet, he also foretells the challenges and contradictions that Jesus will face, and the sorrow that Mary will endure as a mother.
This passage invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, obedience, and the unfolding of God's plan. Mary and Joseph, though humble and obedient to the law, are part of something much larger than themselves. Simeon's prophecy reminds us that Jesus' mission is not only for Israel but for all humanity, and that His presence will stir both joy and division. The Temple, a place of encounter with God, becomes the setting where the past (Simeon's longing) and the future (Jesus' mission) meet. This moment in the Temple is a microcosm of the Christian life: a life of faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
As we reflect on this reading, we are called to consider how we encounter Christ in our own lives. Like Simeon, we are invited to recognize the presence of God in unexpected moments and to trust in His plan, even when it leads to challenges. Mary's experience of a "sword piercing her soul" reminds us that discipleship is not without its sorrows, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined. Let us ask for the grace to embrace God's will with courage and trust, knowing that our encounters with Christ have the power to transform us and bring light to a world in need.