Title: Meditation: Saturday, February 2, 2002

The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, February 2, 2002
    Feast of the "Presentation of the Lord"

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
    Malachi 3:1-4
    Psalm 24:7-10
    Hebrews 2:14-18
    Luke 2:22-40

A Reflection on Today's Scripture:

Today's liturgy centers on the presentation of Jesus in the temple. The
scriptures unfold the divine plan and the ongoing obedience of Mary and
Joseph to the 'law of the Lord' as well as their own inspirations from the
Holy Spirit. We see in the temple the "just and devout" Simeon, an older
man, who had been waiting for the "consolation of Israel." (Luke 2:22-25)  
He took Jesus into his arms and blessed God. Simeon then asked God to
dismiss him as his eyes had seen the One who would bring us the possibility
of salvation. (Luke 2:29)

In a way we all have some of the role and responsibilities of Simeon. First
he is described as just, devout, and filled with the Holy Spirit. This is
certainly good preparation to recognize Christ when He was presented in the
temple. That is also good preparation for us, so that we can be ready to
recognize Christ when He comes to us through our many encounters with others
in a given day. Unlike Simeon, most of us do not have endless hours to spend
in the temple, but we can find some time each day to pray.

Are we ready to embrace the Christ in others as Simeon did? If we could be
like Simeon then we too can, with a sense of trust, ask God to "dismiss Thy
servant O Lord, according to Thy word in peace" as we come to the end of our
time on earth. (Luke 2:29)

- Joan of Jesus, ocds  ([EMAIL PROTECTED])


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All scripture quotes are from the Douay-Rheims edition of the Catholic Bible.
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