Daily Reading and Reflection for February 2, 2014 February 2, 2014 -------------------------------------------------------- Feast of the Presentation of the Lord He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps. -- Pope St. Gregory the Great A SAINT A DAY ------------------------------ PRESENTATION OF CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE Information: Feast Day: February 2 The law of God, given by Moses to the Jews, to insinuate both to us and to them, that by the sin of Adam man is conceived and born in sin, and obnoxious to his wrath, ordained that a woman, after childbirth, should continue for a certain time in a state which that law calls unclean; during which she was not to appear in public, nor presume to touch any thing consecrated to God. This term was of forty days upon the birth of a son, and the time was double for a daughter: on the expiration of which, the mother was to bring to the door of the tabernacle, or temple, a lamb of a year old. and a young pigeon or turtle-dove. The lamb was for a holocaust, or burnt-offering, in acknowledgment of the sovereignty of God, and in thanksgiving for her own happy delivery; the pigeon or turtle-dove was for a sin-offering. These being sacrificed to Almighty God by the priest, the woman was cleansed of the legal impurity, and reinstated in her former privileges. A young pigeon, or turtle-dove, by way of a sin-offering, was required of all, whether rich or poor: but whereas the charge of a lamb might be too burdensome on persons of narrow circumstances, in that case, nothing more was required, then two pigeons, or two turtle-doves, one for a burnt, the other for a sin-offering. Our Saviour having been conceived by the Holy Ghost, and his blessed Mother remaining always a spotless virgin, it is most evident from the terms of the law, that she was, in reality, under no obligation to it, nor within the intent of it. She was, however, within the letter of the law, in the eye of the world, who were as yet strangers to her miraculous conception. And her humility making her perfectly resigned, and even desirous to conceal her privilege and dignity, she submitted with great punctuality and exactness to every humbling circumstance which the law required. Pride indeed proclaims its own advantages, and seeks honors not its due; but the humble find their delight in obscurity and abasement, they shun all distinction and esteem which they clearly see their own nothingness and baseness to be most unworthy of: they give all glory to God alone, to whom it is due. Devotion also and zeal to honor God by every observance prescribed by his law, prompted Mary to perform this act of religion, though evidently exempt from the precept. Being poor herself; she made the offering appointed for the poor: accordingly is this part of the law mentioned by St. Luke, as best agreeing with the meanness of her worldly condition. But her offering, however mean in itself, was made with a perfect heart, which is what God chiefly regards in all that is offered to him. The King of Glory would appear everywhere in the robes of poverty, to point out to us the advantages of a suffering and lowly state, and to repress our pride, by which, though really poor and mean in the eyes of God, we covet to appear rich, and, though sinners, would be deemed innocents and saints. A second great mystery is honored this day, regarding more immediately the person of our Redeemer, viz. his presentation in the temple. Besides the law which obliged the mother to purify herself, there was another which ordered that the first-born son should be offered to God: and in these two laws were included several others, as, that the child, after its presentation, should be ransomed with a certain sum of money, and peculiar sacrifices offered on the occasion. Mary complies exactly with all these ordinances. She obeys not only in the essential points of the law, as in presenting herself to be purified, and in her offering her first-born, but has strict regard to all the circumstances. She remains forty days at home, she denies herself all this time the liberty of. entering the temple, she partakes not of things sacred, though the living temple of the God of Israel; and on the day of her purification, she walks several miles to Jerusalem, with the worlds Redeemer in her arms. She waits for the priest at the gate of the temple, makes her offerings of thanksgiving and expiation, presents her divine Son by the hands of the priest to his eternal Father, with the most profound humility, adoration, and thanksgiving. She then redeems him with five shekels, as the law appoints, and receives him back again as a depositum in her special care, till the Father shall again demand him for the full accomplishment of mans redemption. It is clear that Christ was not comprehended in the law; The kings son, to whom the inheritance of the crown belongs, is exempt from servitude:- much more Christ, who was the Redeemer both of our souls and bodies, was not subject to any law by which he was to be himself redeemed, as St. Hilary observes. But he would set an example of humility, obedience, and devotion: and would renew, in a solemn and public manner, and in the temple, the oblation of himself to his Father for the accomplishment of his will, and the redemption of man, which he had made privately in the first moment of his Incarnation. With what sentiments did the divine Infant offer himself to his Father at the same time! the greatest homage of his honour and glory the Father could receive, and a sacrifice of satisfaction adequate to the injuries done to the Godhead by our sins, and sufficient to ransom our souls from everlasting death! With what cheerfulness and charity did he offer himself to all his torments! to be whipped, crowned with thorns, and ignominiously put to death for us! Let every Christian learn hence to offer himself to God with this divine victim, through which he may be accepted by the Father; let him devote himself with all his senses and faculties to his service. If sloth, or any other vice, has made us neglectful of this essential duty, we must bewail past omissions, and make a solemn and serious consecration of ourselves this day to the divine majesty with the greater fervor, crying out with St. Austin, in compunction of heart: Too late have I known thee, too late have I begun to love thee, O beauty more ancient than the world! But our sacrifice, if we desire it may be accepted, must not be lame and imperfect. It would be an insult to offer to God, in union with his Christ, a divided heart, or a heart infected with willful sin. It must therefore first be cleansed by tears of sincere compunction: its affections must be crucified to the world by perfect mortification. Our offering must be sincere and fervent, without reserve, allowing no quarter to any of our vicious passions and inclinations, and no division in any of our affections. It must also be universal; to suffer and to do all for the divine honor. If we give our hearts to Christ in this manner, we shall receive him with his graces and benedictions. He would be presented in the temple by the hands of his mother: let us accordingly make the offering of our souls through Mary and beg his graces through the same channel. The ceremony of this day was closed by a third mystery, the meeting in the temple of the holy persons, Simeon and Anne, with Jesus and his parents, from which this festival was anciently called by the Greeks Hypante, the meeting. Holy Simeon, on that occasion, received into his arms the object of all his desires and sighs, and praised God in raptures of devotion for being blessed with the happiness of beholding the so much longed-for Messias. He foretold to Mary her martyrdom of sorrow; and that Jesus brought redemption to those who would accept of it on the terms it was offered them; but a heavy judgment on all infidels who should obstinately reject it, and on Christians also whose lives were a contradiction to his holy maxims and example. Mary, hearing this terrible prediction, did not answer one word, felt no agitation of mind from the present, no dread for the future; but courageously and sweetly committed all to Gods holy will. Anne also, the prophetess, who, in her widowhood, served God with great fervor, had the happiness to acknowledge and adore in this great mystery the worlds Redeemer. Amidst the crowd of priests and people, the Saviour of the world is known only by Simeon and Anne. Even when he disputed with the doctors, and when he wrought the most stupendous miracles, the learned, the wise, and the princes did not know him. Yet here, while a weak, speechless child, carried in the arms of his poor mother, he is acknowledged and adored by Simeon and Anne. He could not hide himself from those who sought him with fervor, humility, and ardent love. Unless we seek him in these dispositions, he will not manifest himself, nor communicate his graces to us. Simeon, having beheld his Saviour in the flesh, desired no longer to see the light of this world, nor any creatures on earth If we truly love God, our distance from him must be a continual pain: and we must sigh after that desired moment which will free us from the danger of ever losing him by sin, and will put us in possession of Him who is the joy of the blessed, and the infinite treasure of heaven. Let us never cease to pray that he purify our hearts from all earthly dross, and draw them to himself: that he heal, satiate, and inflame our souls, as he only came upon earth to kindle in all hearts the fire of his love. FAVOURITE QUOTES FOR DADS ------------------------------ Always dream and shoot higher than you know how to. Dont bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself. -- William Faulkner FAVOURITE QUOTES FOR MOMS ------------------------------ “Think for a minute, darling: in fairy tales its always the children who have the fine adventures. The mothers have to stay at home and wait for the children to fly in the window.” —- Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Travelers Wife 1ST READING (Malachi 3:1-4) ------------------------------ We all need purification. Sin has all sorts of detrimental, enduring effects on our lives, and we can do very little to abolish them. It is only through the gift and grace of God that we can overcome the power of sin at work in our lives and be healed of the effects of our past sins. This is the Good News that we are called to proclaim to the world. A reading from the Book of Prophet Malachi 1 Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. 3 He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the Lord. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the Lord, as in days of old, as in years gone by. Reader: The Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. RESPONSORIAL PSALM ------------------------------ Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10 R: Who is the king of glory? It is the Lord! 7 Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! R: Who is the king of glory? It is the Lord! 8 Who is this king of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle. R: Who is the king of glory? It is the Lord! 9 Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! R: Who is the king of glory? It is the Lord! 10 Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts; he is the king of glory. R: Who is the king of glory? It is the Lord! 2ND READING (Hebrews 2:14-18) ------------------------------ Jesus is presented in the temple to fulfill the command of the Law. He follows the normal Jewish way of life during His early years. It is only when He begins His ministry that the authorities see that He is challenging some of the age-old interpretations of the Law — the Word of God. Jesus fulfills the Law by remaining obedient to it in its essence. We, too, are called to fulfill the Law by remaining true to its spirit. A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews 14 Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. 16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; 17 therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. Reader: The Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ------------------------------ A light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel. GOSPEL (Luke 2:22-40) ------------------------------ Simeon and Anna are examples of how a faithful Jew can recognize Christ. Luke makes it clear that Jesus’ upbringing is that of a good Jew. He was not born to cause problems and be a rebel. However, when He comes across injustice, He takes a stand, no matter what the consequences may be. He is not afraid to stand up to the authorities and challenge them. This must be the same for His disciples — unalloyed commitment to live the truth of the Gospel at all times. P - The Lord be with you. All - And also with you. P - A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. All - Glory to you, Lord. 22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted 35 — and you yourself a sword will pierce — so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Priest: This is the gospel of the Lord. Response: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. -------------------------------------------------------- Lectionary for Mass, Copyright ¬© 1970, 1986, 1992, 1998, 2001 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain ¬®¬© 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. -------------------------------------------------------- SCRIPTURE STUDY ------------------------------ February 2, 2014 Presentation of the Lord Many of you who can count may be wondering why in the world this is not the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time since last Sunday was the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time. This Sunday we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple of Jerusalem. This event is, in fact, celebrated every year on February 2, but most people dont notice it because it does not usually fall on a Sunday. When it does fall on a Sunday in Ordinary time it replaces the normal Sunday Liturgy. In a sense, this feast continues the theme of Christmas as it is another celebration of the manifestation or revelation of the Lord. This day was also known as Candlemas because traditionally candles that were to be used in church during the coming year were blessed at Mass on this day. In some areas the people would also bring their own candles for home use to be blessed. In the many places where these traditions are still followed, they emphasize the idea of Jesus as the light of the world. NOTES on First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4 * 3:1 In Malachi 3:23 (or 4:1 in most Protestant translations) the first messenger (angel) mentioned in this verse is called Elijah. Matthew 11:10 has these words quoted by Christ with a slight modification, as referring to John the Baptizer who prepared the way for the coming of the Savior. See also Matthew 3:1-3,11-12; 17:11-13; Mark 1:2-8; Luke 3:2-18; and John 1:31-34. The second messenger (angel) or messenger of the covenant is not the same messenger mentioned at the beginning of the verse. Although that is usually taken as Elijah and applied to John. This one is usually taken to be a reference to Yahweh Himself derived from Exod 3:2 and 23:20. Some Christian scholars have taken this to be a reference to Jesus who brings the new covenant. * 3:2-4 Some have taken this to be reflected in Mark 11:11 in which Jesus seems to be on an inspection tour. This episode is closely followed by the cursing of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14) and the cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19), each of which, may be seen as a parable in action illustrating these verses. NOTES on Second Reading: Hebrews 2: 14-18 * 2:14 In the Biblical sense flesh means human nature considered specifically from the point of view of human weakness and is contrasted with spirit which refers to Gods grace and strength. The expression, flesh and blood, meaning human beings occurs in the Old Testament only in Sir 14:18; 17:26. In the New Testament see Matt 16:17; Gal 1:16; and Eph 6:12. The author is speaking of humanity and human nature being under the curse of death and he sees death as being associated with the devil. Although it is often hard for moderns to appreciate it, the author does not seem to view death as the result of the fall of Adam and Eve as some Old Testament texts do (Sir 25:23; Ezra 3:7). Here he sees death as not being part of Gods plan for human beings but blames it squarely on the devil. This appears to be in keeping with the tradition of Hellenistic Judaism (Wis 1:13; 2:23-24). Because of the connection between sin and death, the power of death was broken when Christ removed sin (2:17) through His high- priestly work. The paradox here (death is nullified by Christs death) is similar to the one in Romans 8:3 where Paul says that God condemned sin by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh. The author gives no explanation beyond saying that this action by God was fitting. * 2:15 Fear as used here is not intended to refer simply to the natural fear of death but rather to a religious fear of death as a separation from God. Because of deaths connection to sin it is seen as more than just a physical evil. This is one explanation for the fear that Jesus felt at the thought of his death (5:7). See also Isa 38:18; Ps 115:17-18; 1Cor 15:26. * 2:16 Abrahams descendants is used here to refer to those who believe in Christ. The Greek word translated here as help actually means take hold of and is used as a metaphor meaning to rescue someone. This term is quoted in 8:9 as it is used in Jer 31:32 (Jer 38:32 in the Septuagint, or ancient Greek text). Although the reference is clearly to the incarnation, the verb is in the present tense which may be intended to mean continuing help rather than simply the single act of the past. * 2:17 Here is the first mention of the central theme of Hebrews which is Jesus role as high priest. While there is a long tradition of faithfulness being a required quality of a priest (1 Sam 2:35), the idea that mercy is also needed is unique to Hebrews. In 4:15 and 5:1-3 it recurs again and is related there to Christs solidarity with humans and their lot. Emphasis on mercy as a priestly quality is not based on the Old Testament or Jewish tradition and is probably derived from memories of, and reflection on, Jesus attitude and demeanor during his ministry. The term, expiate, occurs frequently in the Septuagint (ancient Greek text) version of the Old Testament where it generally translates a Hebrew word transliterated as rpk. It expresses the removal of sin or defilement by God or by a priest acting for God according to a ritual established by God. This is not the same as placating the wrath of God despite the opinions of some preachers. * 2:18 The temptations that are referred to here are all the temptations of Jesus life not only those recounted in the gospels as the temptations in the wilderness (Mat 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13) and not only the dread of suffering and death (Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; John 12:27). The Gospel tradition emphasizes Jesus faithfulness to His mission throughout his life and thus his faithfulness was a major target of the temptations sent against Him. Apostasy during persecution is the temptation which those who are being tested are undergoing. It is seen by the author as the same temptation to unfaithfulness which Jesus endured and overcame. NOTES on Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 OR 2: 22-32 * 2:22-40 The presentation of Jesus in the temple depicts the parents of Jesus as devout Jews, faithful observers of the law of the Lord (Luke 2:23-24,39), or the law of Moses. In this respect, they are described in a fashion similar to the parents of John (Luke 1:6) and Simeon (Luke 2:25) and Anna (Luke 2:36-37). * 2:22 This verse refers to their purification. Syntactically, their must refer to Mary and Joseph, even though the Mosaic law never mentions the purification of the husband. In fact, only the mother went through a purification rite (Lev 12:6-8). According to the Mosaic law (Lev 12:2-8), the woman who gives birth to a boy is unable, for forty days, to touch anything sacred or to enter the temple area by reason of her legal or ritual impurity. At the end of this period she is required to offer a year-old lamb as a burnt offering and a turtledove or young pigeon as an expiation of sin. The woman who could not afford a lamb offered instead two turtledoves or two young pigeons, as Mary does here. This was the occasion, however, for another ritual that did involve the infant Jesus. Every first born son was required to be presented to the Lord and then redeemed by the payment of five silver shekels to a member of a priestly family (Num 3:47-48, 18:15f). Luke says nothing about this legal requirement. They took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and as the firstborn son (Luke 2:7) Jesus was consecrated to the Lord as the law required (Exodus 13:2,12). Although there was no requirement that this be done at the temple, the concept of a presentation at the temple was probably derived from the text of 1 Sam 1:24-28, where Hannah offers the child Samuel for sanctuary services. This ritual is, in Lukes mind, in this episode because with it the Redeemer appears before the Lord, Himself redeemed and Daniels prophecy of the seventy weeks has been fulfilled in the consecration of a most holy (Daniel 9:20-24). This and two other Lucan favorite Old Testament passages are echoed here: Samuels presentation (1 Sam 1:22-24) and the prophecy of the Lord coming to His temple (Mal 3:1-3). Some Western scribes have understood the presentation of Jesus in the temple as a form of purification and have altered the text to read his purification. The Vulgate version has a Latin form that could be either his or her. * 2:25 Simeon and Anna represent the hopes and expectations of faithful and devout Jews who at this time were looking forward to the restoration of Gods rule in Israel. The birth of Jesus brings these hopes to fulfillment in a more complete way than they ever imagined. Both Simeon and Anna are described in the same terms as the parents of John the Baptizer. The name, Simeon, means God has heard. * 2:27 Although Simeon was not a priest, both he and Anna embodied the heart of the Temple cult of worship which was service of God. The stage is set for the prayer of Simeon called the Nunc Dimittis. In Simeon and Anna at the temple, the Law, the prophetic Spirit and the Temple cult come together to proclaim the greatness of Jesus. * 2:29-32 This prayer of Simeon has traditionally been called the Nunc Dimittis after the first two words in the Latin translation of the text. In the Catholic Liturgy of the Hours it is used each day as part of the night prayer (Compline). The vocabulary is largely taken from Isaiah 52:9-10; 49:6; 46:13; 42:6; 40:5. * 2:31-32 From the beginning of his gospel, Luke insists that the salvation that is to come in Jesus will enfold all of Israel and overflow to include the nations which will also be heirs of Gods promises. * 2:34 Rejection of the Messiah which will be a major theme in Lukes gospel is foreshadowed here as is the cross which already casts its shadow on the childs future. * 2:35 The prophet tells Mary that she herself will not be untouched by the various reactions to the role of Jesus. Her blessedness as mother of the Lord will be challenged by her son who describes true blessedness as hearing the word of God and observing it (Luke 11:27-28 and Luke 8:20-21). It is precisely in this hearing of the word of God that Mary is truly blessed. Her responsiveness to the Word enabled her to say yes to God and it enables her to go through the transition from mother of Jesus to disciple of Jesus. The nearest Old Testament parallel is Ezek 14:17 and the sword of discernment or discrimination. This is an image of a selective sword of judgment that destroys some and spares others rather than a sword of punishment only. Mary too will one day have to decide for or against Gods revelation in Jesus. Family ties in themselves do not create faith. * 2:36 The name, Anna, means Grace or Favor. She like Simeon represents those who were waiting for the Lord. The pairing of Simeon and Anna is like the pairing of Zechariah and Elizabeth in Chapter 1 and foreshadows another common theme in Luke. By this arrangement Luke expresses the idea that man and woman stand together and side by side before the Lord. They have the same grace, honor, gifts, and responsibilities before God (Gen 1:27; Gal 3:28). Such pairings include the widow of Sarepta and Naaman (4:25-28), the healing of the demoniac and Peters mother-in -law (4:31-39), the centurion of Capernaum and the widow of Nain (7:1-17), Simon and the sinful woman (7:36-50), the women at the tomb and the Emmaus disciples (23:55-24:35), and finally Lydia and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:13-34). * 2:40 This follows the pattern of Johns story (1:80) and echoes the story of Samuel (1 Sam 2:21, 26). REFLECTION ------------------------------ Sunday (February 2): The favor of God was upon him Meditation: Do you know the favor of the Lord? After Jesus birth, Mary fulfills the Jewish right of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the customary offering of a lamb, she gives instead two pigeons as an offering of the poor. This rite, along with circumcision and the redemption of the first- born point to the fact that children are gifts from God. Jesus was born in an ordinary home where there were no luxuries. Like all godly parents, Mary and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He, in turn, was obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace. The Lords favor is with those who listen to his word with trust and obedience. Do you know the joy of submission to God? And do you seek to pass on the faith and to help the young grow in wisdom and maturity? What is the significance of Simeons encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be a revealing light to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with you? Jesus is the new temple (John 1:14; 2:19-22). In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night as he led them through the wilderness. Gods glory visibly came to dwell over the ark and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). When the first temple was built in Jerusalem Gods glory came to rest there (1 Kings 8). After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw Gods glory leave it (Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the King of Glory himself comes to his temple (Psalm 24:7-10; Malachi 3:1). Through Jesus coming in the flesh and through his saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit with you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you. Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fuelled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that no one will take your joy from you (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust? Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lords presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit. She was found daily in the temple, attending to the Lord in prayer and speaking prophetically to others about Gods promise to send a redeemer. Supernatural hope grows with prayer and age! Anna was pre- eminently a woman of great hope and expectation that God would fulfill all his promises. She is a model of godliness to all believers as we advance in age. Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope placed rightly. Annas hope in God and his promises grew with age. She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with hope. Her hope and faith in Gods promises fuelled her indomitable zeal and fervor in prayer and service of Gods people. What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness. How do we grow in hope? By placing our trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and relying not on our own strength, but on the grace and help of the Holy Spirit. Does your hope and fervor for God grow with age? PRAYER ------------------------------ Lord Jesus, may I never cease to hope in you and to trust in your promises. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may always recognize your saving presence in my life. Help me to point others to Christ and to be an example of faith and devotion as Simeon and Anna were to their generation. -------------------------------------------------------- Lectionary for Mass is from the USCCB website located at: usccb.org/bible/readings/ -------------------------------------------------------- Scripture Study courtesy of: - St. Raymond Parish, Dublin, CA st-raymond-dublin.org:80/scripture.php -------------------------------------------------------- This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager, whose website is located at: rc.net/wcc/readings/ -------------------------------------------------------- You can also visit mobilegabriel/ for the complete readings and reflections for the whole month. -------------------------------------------------------- A Saint A Day courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network at: ewtn/saintsHoly/ -------------------------------------------------------- Inspirational message courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network at: ewtn/Devotionals/
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 09:34:55 +0000
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