DAILY- HOMILY

02 February 2016

Presentation of the Lord

Feast.  White.  

Mal 3:1–4 / Heb 2:14–18 / Lk 2:22 – 40.             

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is also known as Candlemas.

From the Gospel Reading: Lk 2: 22–23, 25–35a  

When the day came for the purification according to the law of Moses, they brought the baby up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male shall be consecrated to God. . . .

There lived in Jerusalem, at this time, a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the Holy Spirit was in him. He looked forward to the time when the Lord would comfort Israel; and he had been assured, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the Lord.  So, he was led into the temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law.

Simeon took the child in his arms, and blessed God, saying, "Now, O Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace, for you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation, which you display for all the people to see. Here is the light you will reveal to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel."

His father and mother wondered at what was said about the child. Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Know this: your son is a sign; a sign established for the falling and rising of many in Israel, a sign of contradiction; and a sword will pierce your own soul. 

Reflection

Parents want only the best for their children. They do everything to love, nurture and protect their all too precious kids, hoping fervently for safe, productive and fulfilling lives.

Imagine then the deep anxiety that Mary and Joseph experienced when strangers were prophesizing about the great but perilous fate that awaits the Child Jesus. What tremendous pain and fear they must have felt for the Child whom they loved so much!  

As human beings, how did they cope? How could they overcome anxiety? How were they able to understand and ultimately accept the physical, emotional and spiritual costs of providing loving care for Jesus? 

There can be no other answer except that Joseph and Mary had complete faith in God. This beautiful and unwavering trust in the Almighty provided them with the strength to perform their roles so devotedly thoughout their lives. They knew that no matter the adversity, God was there to guide, support and help them.

Let us pray intently that through the innumerable challenges that we face as parents everyday, we shall be inspired by God's perfect love, comforted with the firm belief that He always has the best interest of our children at heart.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     Stephanie Braganza

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     Jason & Badette Co

     Delfin & Josita Abadco

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     Valentino Chao (2/14/1957 – 2/2/1983)

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the special intentions of Beny Chua.

For the eternal repose of the soul of Florencio Reyes Jr.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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