OUR DAILY VITAMIN FOR THE SOUL... Sunday, December 28. Feast of the Holy Family The Presentation in the Temple -- Lk 2:22-40 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ. 27 And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37 and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. REFLECTION & CHALLENGE: A help to all families in the world. The Sunday within the octave of Christmas is the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The celebration does not draw us away from—but rather intensifies—our contemplation of the mystery of the Incarnation. We focus on the Son of God who, in becoming flesh and dwelling among us, becomes a member of the family of mankind. And through Jesus, our brother, we become a family of God. We receive adoption through the Spirit of Jesus who inspires us to call God, “Abba, Father!” (Gal 4:6). What does the Gospel teach us about today’s celebration? Unlike Matthew who describes the Holy Family fleeing Bethlehem to escape the murderous design of King Herod, Luke gives a story different in content and tone—the peaceful presentation of the child Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple. Mary and Joseph are shown as a couple steeped in the tradition and religiosity of their people. If Matthew’s account of the flight into Egypt is an anticipation of his passion narratives, Luke is not too far from him, for in the Temple scene, he introduces a theme of opposition to Jesus and of persecution. Simeon prophesies that Jesus is a sign that will be contradicted, set for the fall and rise of many in Israel. This will cause a sword passing through the heart of Mary—and of many others. Jesus’ birth brings “tidings of great joy”—but God’s word is like a sword that cuts heart and soul. Because the “hopes and fears of all the years are met” in the Holy Family of Nazareth, it becomes a true model and source of comfort for all families of the world. Pope John Paul II explains why and how: “It underwent trials of poverty, persecution, and exile. It glorified God in an incomparably exalted and pure way. And it will not fail to help Christian families—indeed, all the families in the world—to be faithful to their day-to-day duties, to bear the cares and tribulations of life, to be open and generous to the needs of others, and to fulfill with joy the plan of God in their regard” (Familiaris Consortio, n 86). Is there anything holding you back from giving God your unqualified trust and submission to his will for your life? Allow the Lord Jesus to flood your heart with his peace, joy, and love. And offer to God everything you have and desire - your life, family, friends, health, honor, wealth, and future. If you seek his kingdom first he will give you everything you need to know, love, and serve him now and enjoy him forever. We pray: Lord Jesus, you are my hope and my life. May I never cease to place all my trust in you. Fill me with the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit that I may boldly point others to your saving presence and words of eternal life. Amen. (365 days journey with Jesus our Saviour & Big Brother)
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 01:03:11 +0000
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