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Gospel
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Luke 2:22-40
Reflection
Simeon said, “Sovereign Lord, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.”
Can I say the same as Simeon did? Simeon had fulfilled duties on earth. God granted him to see His salvation. Can I be dismissed in peace now? When I’m in front of the Lord now, can I tell Him I have accomplished my missions on earth?
No. There are a lot more I should do. I have barely started my duties on earth. Did I do any good that has an influence on others to seek God? Did I treat any pagan as good as brothers and sisters in Christ, and even as good as to myself? Did I mend any broken relationship, heal any broken heart, share good news with others? There are a lot I should do but I didn’t.
Decision
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)
Prayer
My Lord, what are my duties on earth? You led me an unusual path in the past. You let me wander around cults, protestants and then come back home to Catholic church. This is not the end of the journey. Instead, this is a milestone. Coming home to church, is to prepare for a longer journey. What are the missions you have assigned for me? Why would you equip me with the knowledge in Christianity? Please guide me through and use me as your tool, so that you may dismiss your servant in peace. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
