Gospel for December 29th

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.”

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.”

Comments:
Jesus submitted himself fully to the Law of God. He kept the law perfectly. There was never and never will be any accusation of sin that men or angels can bring against the Lord Jesus Christ. How fitting that the parents of our Lord kept the law also. Our Catholic faith teaches us that Mary never sinned. To be in such close proximity of the Lord God - Jesus Christ - True God and True Man - It seems so much clearer now of how Mary was preserved from sin by being so near to Christ.

Simeon - An old man - righteous and devout - awaiting the consolation of Israel - The Holy Spirit was upon him. Simeon was given the grace to see the Messiah. Its wonderful to think of an old holy man waiting for God. This is repeated so many times in the Holy Scriptures. God always fulfills his promises. When it seems that time is running out and things are the darkest in situations that face God's people. He shows up in the most unlikely and surprising way.

The old man Simeon blesses them and then speaks to Mary. This child is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel. How was this prophecy fulfilled? How many leaders fell and how many poor and humble arose to serve in the Kingdom that was established by Jesus the Christ?

A sign of contradiction - A sign spoken against - a sign that is opposed. Jesus Christ always brings controversy because He is so Holy and unlike us in so many ways. We are sinful fallen creatures. Jesus is miraculous and supernatural. Jesus says things that seem impossible and contradictory. Only those who are humble and given faith are able to accept the teachings of Christ.

And you yourself a sword will pierce. Mary's soul was pierced by the sword of pain and suffering that began so early in her life. She accepted the will of God when she said to the angel messenger "may it be done unto me according to you word; Behold the handmaid of the Lord" Mary probably had no idea of the journey that she had embarked on when she gave the first - Yes - to God. Mary watched as God worked his salvation plan before her very eyes. God used Mary from the beginning to the very end. She suffered with Christ and still suffers with Christ as the Kingdom of God marches forward in time.

So that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart of every person. What an astounding thing to ponder - What a scary thing to ponder. The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and the second is like it - to love your neighbor as yourself. We can only keep this command by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit. Ignite our hearts with the fire of your love.