The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas, Monday, December 29, 2025

Gospel

Luke 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

In this Gospel, we witness Mary and Joseph faithfully carrying out their religious duty by bringing Jesus to the Temple. Though Jesus is the Son of God, they submit humbly to the Law of Moses. This shows us that holiness is often lived out in quiet obedience. Faithfulness to God is not always marked by dramatic moments, but by steady trust and devotion in ordinary responsibilities. This is also shown through Simeon who stands out as an example of patient faith. He is described as a "righteous and devout" man who waited attentively for the "consolation of Israel". Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon trusted God’s promise even without knowing when or how it would be fulfilled, and when the moment finally arrives, he recognizes the Messiah even as an infant. This challenges us to ask ourselves whether our own hearts are open and attentive enough to recognize God at work, especially when He comes to us in unexpected ways.

Furthermore, the very last lines of the prophecy Simeon speaks predicts the future sorrows Mary will face and her obedience in trusting in the Lord…”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”. Mary's obedience is courageous. She accepts God’s plan knowing it will cost her greatly, but trusting in that it will bring about a greater good. This invites us to reflect on our own willingness to trust God, not only when His plans bring comfort, but when they ask for sacrifice.