THE FIFTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 29, 2022

MASS READINGS:

A reading of the holy Gospel according to 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.”

REFLECTION

"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.”

Fear is a greater evil than evil itself (St Francis de Sales, Roses Among Thorns, chapter 43, A Time of Fear). Fear allows us to walk in darkness and darkness blinds us from seeing God's Will.

Mary will walk with her Son, Jesus. Sorrowful moments but no fear. She trusts God.

We are invited to walk with Jesus in the midst of our sorrows, our misfortunes, our infirmities, disappointments, an offensive person, humiliations and occupations that are taxing and boring.

The battle can't be won unless we are victorious. For the love of Jesus, persevere and take courage that God is with us. God allows us trials for our benefit. Accept them, walk with God and receive all consolations that He will give you.

Merry Christmas

God bless you.