Greetings on this the Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Readings: 1 Jn 2:3-11; PS 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35
Notes: In the 1st Letter of John, he poses the essential question.
(We or I are generic, not accusing you of anything).
Do we simulate Christianity?
John provides contrasting behaviors and characteristics between Simulation and Truth.
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not…
Simulation
- a liar
- hates his brother
- walks in darkness
Truth
- keep his commandments
- loves his brother
- remains in the light
Then there is Simeon
- righteous and devout
- awaiting the consolation of Israel
- the Holy Spirit was upon him
he took him (Jesus) into his arms and blessed God.
First reading
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments
is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.
Responsorial Psalm
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Alleluia Verse
A light of revelation to the Gentiles
and glory for your people Israel.
Gospel Portion
Then there is Simeon.
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.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 