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Theo Tigno•
12/29/2004 9:26 am
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Wednesday in the Octave of Christmas |
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."
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for the safe return of children who are missing.
"... and you yourself a sword will pierce"
In Church tradition, this is seen as the Seven Sorrows of Mary:
1. The Prophecy of Simeon
2. The Flight into Egypt
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
4. Jesus and Mary Meet on the Way to the Cross
5. Jesus Dies on the Cross
6. Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross and Laid in Mary's Arms
7. The Burial of Jesus
Today's reading points to Mary and Joseph's obedience. In today's reading, they were obedient to the law of The Lord. As you look at the seven times Mary's heart will be pierced, we see how they were obedient to Our Lord in caring for and protecting Our Lord. After Joseph passes away, we see the motherly love as Jesus endures His passion and death. Mary is obedient to her Son in His suffering.
Love is more than feelings. Love is obedience, and true love is seen through how obedient we are in our suffering, and in the suffering of others. If we cannot love through times of hardship, we do not know how to love. If we remain obedient during those times of suffering, then we are truly blessed. Take care and God Bless.
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