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, so that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
After leaving her father’s home, she had been seven years with her husband; and since then,
she had been continually about the temple, serving God, as a widow, night and day, in fasting and prayer.
She was now eighty-four. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to God,
and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their town,
Nazareth in Galilee. There, the child grew in stature and strength, and was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.

LECTIO DIVINA:
Read: The family is an ins­titution designed by God from the very beginning.
In the Old Testament couples considered having children as a blessing from God.
Thus Abraham felt frustrated that he was childless. But God intervened and promised a progeny to Abrham.
St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians contains a catalogue of family virtues.
In the Gospel Mary and Joseph go to the temple to consecrate Jesus.
Simeon and Anna bless Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, the Holy Family!

Reflect:Jesus grew up in a family. The family is a temple of God.
It is in the temple of the family that children learn Christian values.
Parents have a solemn obligation to raise their children in the faith for
every child they have is not only theirs but also God’s! For parents “procreate,” that is,
they allow the Creator to bring new life through their cooperation.

Pray: Today is “family day.” Parents, give thanks to God for making you His partners in giving life.
Children, pray for your parents and be obedient to them as Jesus was obedient to Mary and Joseph.

Act: Every child is precious! In every child is the face of our Father in heaven.
In every child see the brother or sister of Jesus, the son of Mary.
Every child is another St. John the Evangelist entrusted to Mary from the cross.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2020