Daily Catholic Reflection: The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas, Year B

1 John 2:3-11,

Psalm 96:1-2a.2b-3.5,

Luke 2:22-35 Full Readings

Saint Thomas Becket

 Mission of Jesus Revealed

Brethren, after the birth of Jesus, he had to be presented to the Lord as the law demanded and as Mary and Joseph took him to the temple, Simeon held him in his hands and prophesied and revealed his mission. The new born baby is to be the light of the nations, the salvation for all, he is destined for the fall and rising of many (those who will accept him will be raised up and those who reject him will surely fall). Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your saviour and Lord? If yes, then love according to his commandments and his teaching and we will surely be saved. St John in the first reading that any one who says I know and love God and does not keep his commandments is a liar, but whoever obeys God's commandments, God's love comes into perfection in him or her. Therefore, if you say you have welcomed Jesus, the newborn king in your life and that you love God, then follow his commandments and show that love to the neighbours.

Beloved friends, what is the significance of Simeon's encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be "a revealing light to the Gentiles.'' The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. 

Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit within you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you.

Brethren, apart from Simeon revealing the mission of Jesus, he also reveals the sorrow which Mary will pass through, as the sword is going to pierce her soul. Mary receives both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take away. 

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.

Let us 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 everlasting life. Amen 

Be blessed