02/02/2024
Today's Gospel(February 2, 2024)
Luke 2:22-40
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD (FEAST)
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 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. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 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, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” *And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him; 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 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” And there goes 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, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. 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. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
TODAY'S REFLECTION:
As we celebrate the presentation of the Lord, we are called to present ourselves anew to God. This means to continually worship God in spirit and in truth like Simeon and Anna. The scripture describes Simeon as a very upright and devout man and Anna as a widow who continues to serve God day and night in fasting and prayer. This no doubt earns them the privilege of recognizing the Messiah in the midst of the many children that are brought to the temple that day. One thing to learn at the presentation of the Lord is that he is not just a light to the nations and the glory of Israel but also a sign that is spoken against, a sign of contradiction. Despite all the odds, let us focus on God and daily renew our commitment to him.
Let Us pray:
Father, I am sincerely sorry for wasting the grace made available to me each time I am accosted or confronted by evil or sin. By the help of your grace and from this day forward, I receive strength not to overlook the grace made available to me in Jesus name. Amen.
Have a great day ahead and God bless.
