Saturday, 2nd February, The Presentation of the Lord

Luke 2:22–35

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."

Reflection

·        
Am I delighted to welcome the Promised One?

·        
Can I ask for the grace to open my eyes in grateful
amazement when I see God’s interventions in my life?