REFLECTIONS TODAY
Unlike Matthew who presents the Holy Family fleeing Bethlehem to escape the murderous design of King Herod, Luke presents a story different in content and tone— the peaceful presentation of the child Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple. Mary and Joseph are presented as a couple steeped in the tradition and religiosity of their people. But if Matthew’s account of the flight into Egypt is an anticipation of his passion narratives, Luke is not too far from him, for in the Temple scene, he introduces a theme of opposition to Jesus and of persecution.
Simeon prophesies that Jesus is a sign that will be contradicted, set for the fall and rise of many in Israel. This will cause a sword passing through the heart of Mary. The birth of Jesus brings “tidings of great joy”—but the word of God is also like a sword that cuts soul and heart. Salvation is achieved by the birth, passion, death, and resurrection of the Messiah—all rolled into one mystery.
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.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023.” E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.