29 December, 2023 | The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

 

Gospel Lk 2:22-35

When the days were completed for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord,

just as it is written in the law of the Lord,

Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,

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.

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.

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.

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,

he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

"Lord, now let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you prepared in the sight of every people,

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel."

Reflection:

The gospel presents Simeon as a righteous and devout man who was “looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him”. What does “looking for the consolation of Israel” indicate? It meant that the Israelites were suffering being under foreign rule, and were waiting for the Messiah. Simeon, holding Baby Jesus recognised him to be the promised Messiah, and prompted by the Spirit, he understood the kind of Messiah Jesus would be, for he said, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation.” And did he foresee the passion and death of Jesus by which he would bring salvation? Perhaps, because he warned Mary “a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Do we recognise Jesus presence in our midst, especially when we hold the Blessed Host in our hands? Do we value the gift of salvation freely given to us? The alertness and joy of Simeon should inspire us to appreciate the great treasure we have—the Eucharist—Jesus himself and his gift of salvation.

Activity: 

Let us spend some time before the Blessed Sacrament today and thank God for his presence in our midst. 

The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;

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

(and you yourself a sword will pierce)

so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

Reflection: Sr Caroline Duia FSP

Voice: Sharlene Fernandes