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
Tomorrow, Sunday, is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Please bring your family to Church. I don’t care how long it has been. For ourselves and for our families we rely upon these graces. I have no particular competence to say this but I do anyway in the spirit of our Pope Francis:
The greater part of the people, in fact, chiefly from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves. Nevertheless they ate the Passover, contrary to the prescription; because Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD grant pardon to all who have set their heart to seek God, the LORD, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not clean as holiness requires.” The LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people (2 CHR 30:18-20).
Again: “May the good LORD grant pardon to all who have set their heart to seek God, the LORD, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not clean as holiness requires.” The LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people (2 CHR 30:18b-20).
Come, be cleansed, blessed and renewed in the Lord. Say an act of contrition and resolve to go to confession. Then rely on the prayer of Hezekiah.
Summary
Yesterday I reflected on the modern slang of ‘knowing him’. But it is worthless to use slang and not in fact knowing and being known. Our first reading makes again the case of knowing and not knowing. In Apostle John’s first letter he makes the list of six truths about those who know forgiveness, omnipotence, conquering impulses, seeking the Father, persistent in scripture and rejecting the Evil one. Good food.
In comparison, for all that is in the world, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away.
Rather, whoever does the will of God remains forever.
The prophetess, Anna, knew. She knew and she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
Reflection
Our readings today are the near conclusion of the nativity, infancy narrative. We have still the Holy Family Sunday and the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
The (completed) Octave Day of Christmas. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. It is said that a baby needs especially loving care for the first 36 months of life and that it sets the framework for which they encounter the world for the rest of their life. It is quite certain that a subtext here is the loving embrace of all our children. Jesus received from the human family what we all need from the human family. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (Jn 13:15).
Personal Reflection
I had a very happy early childhood. Yet still family domestic problems arose and effects were felt. But knowing I am loved from the very start kept the wheels from falling off and turning my live into another example of human tragedy. We need to know Jesus but not of the mind alone, of the heart and of our actions.
First Reading
I am writing to you: children, young men, and fathers:
- 1. your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake.
- 2. you know him who is from the beginning.
- 3. you have conquered the Evil One.
- 4. you know the Father.
- 5. you are strong and the word of God remains in you.
- 6. you have conquered the Evil One.
Whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Responsorial
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Gospel Acclamation
A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.
Gospel
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
💯🙏