Sunday, December 28, 2014 Faith Unite Us Today’s Readings: Genesis 15:1–6; 21:1–3; Psalm 105:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 8–9; Hebrews 11:8, 11–12, 17–19; Luke 2:22–40. In today’s First Reading and Gospel, we see portrayals of faith. When Abram voiced his concern that his heir would be the slave born to his household, God assured him of an heir. Abraham awaited the fulfillment of this promise, and when he was 100 years old, Sarah bore a son. Simeon awaited “the consolation of Israel.” The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would see the Messiah. He allowed himself to be guided by the Spirit to the Temple on the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to be presented. And as a person of faith, he rejoiced upon witnessing God’s revelation. It is important to note that Simeon is described as “righteous and devout” and that Abram’s belief in what God has said is attributed to his “righteousness.” Would Simeon have allowed himself to be guided by the Spirit if he had not nurtured a relationship with God? The passage from the Letter to the Hebrews lists Abraham’s acts of faith. It was with faith that he left his homeland, received the power to bear offspring, and offered his son to God. This account of Abraham’s faith is recounted in Hebrews alongside that of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Moses, and Jesus. The author of Hebrews prefaces these examples with an explanation of faith: “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible” (11:3). On this Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we may want to ponder how well to rest our faith in the Word of God. Such trust may lessen anxiety in our families. And such trust will help us realize the blessings in our families. © Liturgy Training Publications. 1-800-933-1800. Written by Michael R. Prendergast. Scripture quotations are from The New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1993 and 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Permission to publish granted by the Archdiocese of Chicago on March 12, 2014.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 18:00:00 +0000
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