Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Intention: For all those who serve as leaders in our Lasallian mission, that they may be inspired by the Holy Spirit to great faith and vision.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 2:22-32
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
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:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.
From the Meditation on The Purification of the Most Blessed Virgin | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
In appreciation for the offering that was made of Jesus Christ and that he made of himself in this mystery and for the humility shown by the Most Blessed Virgin, God inspired a holy old man, Simeon, to proclaim publicly the greatness of Jesus, declaring that Jesus had come to be the Light that would enlighten the Gentiles and be the glory of the people of Israel. He then invoked all blessings on his holy Mother.
Oh, how good it is to give yourself to God! Even in this life, he rewards and fills with very tangible consolations the soul that consecrates itself to him. He causes others to esteem and to honor those who are happy in humiliations. The more you give to God, the more he will bless you; the more you are despised by others, the greater you will be before God.
Prayer
Gracious God, everything that is good and right is a gift from you. Each day, there are marvelous things to be found in our lives and all around us. Even when times are hard, there is always much for which we can be thankful. We give special thanks for your gift of salvation. We are grateful for second chances to do the right things and to be at our best. May we always seek to do your will and to live and celebrate your truth. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.