Petition: Prompt my soul to obey your will.

 

Gospel Passage: Luke 2: 22-40

 

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they 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 Messiah 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: Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. The childs 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. There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of 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: Lord Jesus Christ, all hope is fulfilled in you. Let me respond to the promptings of your grace so that I may be saved and serve your Fathers plan of redemption.

 

1.  When the days were completed for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

 

The surest sign of adherence to God is the obedience of faith (See Catechism of the Catholic Church, #143; Romans 1:5). No woman was more pure than the Virgin Mary, herself immaculately conceived, who had become the Mother of God. She was full of grace, neither subject to sin nor to judgment by the commandments (See John 3:18). She even carried the Son of God in her arms. Mary did not exempt herself, however, from observing Gods will as expressed through the Law of Moses commanding her purification. In fact, her obedience was the proof of her purity of heart.

 

2.  [Simeon] 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.

 

Every Christian joins in the profession of faith: We believe in the Holy Spirit ... He has spoken through the prophets. The Holy Spirit already prompted men and women like Simeon and Anna to hope in salvation from sin, whether for those who had already received revelation or for those who did not yet know God. This anticipation of the life of grace caused them to act with a righteousness that exceeded the strict letter of the law. Anna was not obliged to consecrate her life to prayer as a widow, nor was Simeon obliged to enter the temple that day, nor take the child Jesus into his arms and bless him. The Holy Spirit called them into communion with Gods very life.

 

By Baptism, I am regenerated in Christ, I receive the Holy Spirit, and I am called to share in his prophetic and priestly mission (See Catechism of the Catholic Church #1215; #1268). How can I hope in salvation if I do not respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit invites me to ask for Christ to come into my soul, to adore, bless and thank him, to lead others to discover his presence by my word and deed.

 

3.  When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of 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.

 

Because Mary and Joseph were obedient, the Father entrusted his Son to their care. Through their own obedience to God, God dwelt with them, while their descendents in faith receive this grace and wisdom as their inheritance.

Christ promises every believer, Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him ... The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you (John 14:23,26).

Christ makes this promise as he is about to offer his life of love for the rise and fall of many. We will become members of his body; his sacrifice of obedience is the example that enables us to live in communion with one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Does my love promote the Churchs mission?

 

Conversation: Lord Jesus, I believe that you call me to enter into your presence, to adore and bless you, to thank you by bearing witness to your love to others. Strengthen the obedience of my faith. Teach me to trust those who care for the life of my soul. Lead me in wisdom and knowledge so that my whole life may give homage to your eternal love. Let me gain salvation by leading others to your mercy.

 

Questionnaire:

 

1. How do I fulfill my obligations that arise from my state of life? What do others see? Am I a responsible person?

 

2. What does it mean to me to be a faithful Christian? How is my knowledge of the commandments, the teachings of the Church, and my faith in general? What evidence do I leave others of my love for this very faith and the Church?

 

3. How much time of my day do I spend with God? What do I believe Christ calling me to do? Today and with my whole life?