Daily Readings - Fri Dec 29 2023
Luke
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord" ),24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.30For my eyes have seen your salvation,31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
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.