Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
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.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
Reflection:
The story is told about a mother who was wondering how come her children have no proper values and no love for God. Many parents are perhaps in the same boat, they are puzzled how their children grew up in such manner.
But parents need not look far to discover the cause of their children’s negative behavior. They simply have to face the mirror, and they will surely discover the person behind their children’s negative behavior.
Parents are the basic formators of their children and the pillar of the family as such they are the foremost teachers of their children. If they raise their children with love for God they would mature as lovers of God. If they raise them with discipline and right manners they would grow up as such as well.
Besides fulfilling the Jewish law that mandates bringing the firstborn to the temple and requires the mother to offer a sacrifice for her purification after childbirth. Mary and Joseph ensured that the child Jesus will grow up to become someone who will love God dearly.
This is the reason why they took time to present Jesus to God in the temple. Joseph and Mary knew the crucial role of love for God in their family and in their child’s life. Both of them knew how to properly mold their only child Jesus, so that He would grow as a man who loves God.
Even if we are very busy, let us not forget to make time to bring our children to the Lord by attending Holy Mass as a family. We should introduce Jesus to them by discussing His life, which we can easily find in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John in the Bible. Additionally, let's not overlook the importance of teaching them about our faith, as it will undoubtedly bear fruit in their lives when they start their own families someday.
Do you always attend Holy Mass as a family and have you educated your children about the life of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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