Greetings on this the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Readings: 1 Jn 2:12-17; PS 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Lk 2:36-40
Notes: I made a mistake of sorts yesterday.
The gospel portion of Simeon blessing Jesus.
I focused my attention on the difference between the person being described in 1st John and Simeon himself (Simulation or Simeon). Of itself perfectly fine.
The mistake is to forget the privileged time we are in. It is the Octave of Christmas.
Our focus during this short 8 days is:
- The actions of the Holy Trinity.
- Divine promise kept (Salvation of the Jew and Hope of the Gentile).
- Birth of the Messiah.
- Angels and Shepherds rejoicing together.
- The childhood and adolescence of Jesus.
The Christmas Season ends with the Baptism of the Lord and the beginning of Ordinary Time (Monday after Baptism of the Lord is Week One of Ordinary Time).
If I could rewrite the reflection, I would focus on the rejoicing of Simeon.
Simeon rejoiced because:
- He was given special insight on seeing the Messiah.
- He lived in the Spirit of God continuously.
- He was given the honor of blessing Jesus.
- He knows the Salvation for nations and the Glory of Israel has come.
- He was given to prophesy Jesus’ power to change the world.
- He was given to prophesy Mary would also be wounded like her son but all of that so hearts would be revealed.
First reading
But whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Responsorial Psalm
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Alleluia Verse
A holy day has dawned upon us.
Come, you nations, and adore the Lord.
Today a great light has come upon the earth.
Gospel Portion
Anna in todays gospel portion rejoices!
She dedicated her life to praise, prayer and worship with fasting.
Her reward was to give the feminine praise of God and prophesy the child to those awaiting the redemption of Israel.
Simeon and Anna rejoiced!
Rejoice!
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 