Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 31, 2023

Date:   Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

 Scripture Text:  Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him 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 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. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading from Luke recounts the Holy Family’s journey to Jerusalem to present Jesus, their “first born male” to the LORD in accordance with Jewish law and tradition. While there, they encountered Simeon, a holy man filled with the Spirit, who recognized Jesus immediately as the Messiah he had been waiting to see, the one who would be “a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and glory for the people of Israel.” Simeon blessed the child Jesus and then revealed to Mary that because of this holy child, she would suffer greatly. They also encountered the prophetess, Anna, who also recognize in Jesus the promised Messiah.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I hopefully watch for the Messiah in my life? Will I recognize Him when He appears?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only-begotten Son to dwell among us as our brother and to redeem us. You are love itself and it is your love that made salvation from You, through your Son, Jesus Christ, in the Spirit possible. Grant that we may encounter your Son, Christ, in our journeys and that we may recognize Him and come to know Him and love Him. In the Spirit, may we grow our relationship with Him. Through His teachings and example, most especially His sacrifice for our redemption, may we be formed and transformed into the daughters and sons You created us to be. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.