Petition: Lord, enlighten my mind to grasp what true fidelity is, and enflame my heart to surrender my entire life to do your will.

 

Gospel Passage: Luke 2:22-40

 

 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 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated 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; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant 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 the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed, and a sword will pierce your own soul, too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

 

Introductory Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, teach me to follow your example of fidelity, a fidelity that hinges upon self-donation. Banish from my heart all conditional generosity. Just as you Jesus, were presented in the Temple as a perfect and total oblation to God the Father, so do I wish to present my life completely to you. May I live centered on you, O Lord, and on the mission you have entrust to me. May I follow your footsteps, the footsteps of fidelity.

 

1. "Seeing Salvation"

 

Simeon and Anna were the epitomes of fidelity. For many long years they waited for the coming of the Lord, and for many long years they lived out daily prayer, daily fasting, and daily holiness. Their whole life was focused on serving God night and day. The Catechism states, Prayer is the response of faith to the free promise of salvation and also a response of love to the thirst of the only Son of God (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2561). This is what Simeon and Anna practiced every day of their lives.

By their fidelity to prayer and sacrifice, they were guided by the Holy Spirit to recognize Christ and to see the salvation for which they prayed. Often Christ passes by us without us even knowing it, due to our lack of prayer and sacrifice. If I do not know you in prayer, O Lord, how can I hope to see you in my life?  If I do not live for you by my sacrifice, how can I see your plan for my salvation (my vocation)?

 

2. " A Babys Sermon"

 

How is it that the Redeemer needed to be redeemed? How could purity itself be purified? How could a sacrifice be offered for him who was to be the ultimate sacrifice? Why did you, O Lord, submit yourself to the humiliation of the Presentation? One reason: to give example. Too young to even speak, Jesus still delivers a mighty sermon by his ever-faithful example. 

You, dear Jesus, allowed the Presentation to teach us humility and obedience.  Later you would say, Learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29) and I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you (John 13:15). Even as a sign to be opposed you did not flee from suffering, but endured all of this for our salvation and example. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps (1 Peter 2:21). Help me to follow your example of humility, obedience and suffering, offering everything to God the Father for the salvation of souls.

 

3. "The Piercing Sword"

 

Simeon then turned to Mary saying, And a sword will pierce your own soul also.  Amidst the joy of Simeons initial words, the shadow of the cross fell upon Jesus and his mother, Mary. Our Blessed Mother began to grasp from that day forward, that her sufferings would be part of Christs redemptive mission. Stabat juxta crucem.  Mary was faithful to her mission until the end of her life, standing firm even underneath the cross. 

 

Conversation: Lord Jesus, you call me, like Mary, to help in the salvation of souls. My fidelity to my mission is how I continue the salvation you began. Like Mary, I must intercede for others by my prayers and sacrifices. Like Mary, I must lead souls to Christ by my own model of holiness. I want to serve you totally, Lord, and remain faithful even if the cross looms before me. I dont want my love to depend on how hard my mission is. I want to give my heart totally, as you still do in the Eucharist, living totally for love of God and love of souls.

 

Questionnaire:

 

1. In my prayer life, how do I see the action of Gods grace in my soul? What is he asking of me? If I cant see Gods grace, could it be result of my infidelity or inconstancy to prayer?

 

2. In what ways am I striving for holiness, to be an example of Christs love?  What sin remains in my life that most disfigures my imitation of Christ?

 

3. How can I practice more sacrifice in my life to win graces for the salvation of souls and for the grace of knowing my own mission?