First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11
Psalm: Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 2:22-35
Simeon, a just and pious man, is devoted to the Holy Spirit. The
Holy Spirit guided him; he was docile, obedient to the Spirit. He
had full trust in the Spirit, including the Spirit’s promise that he
would not die until he had seen the Messiah or Anointed of the Lord.
Many of us pray to the Blessed Mother or saints, instead of praying
to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Perhaps we need to learn to also
pray to the Holy Spirit to come into our lives to light and guide us
in our decisions. The Holy Spirit can grant us the following
gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety,
and fear of the Lord.
Simeon proclaimed Jesus as “the revealing light to the Gentiles.”
The “Gentiles” are all people who are not Jews. Simeon predicts
that Jesus will reveal Himself and His message to all peoples.
Jesus, before His Ascension into heaven, commanded His
disciples: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit.” From the time of the disciples to the present day and
until the end of the world, the Catholic Church through the Pope,
bishops and priests and lay helpers will give the good news to all
men. About five sixths of the world population is still non-
Catholic. The lay Catholics must do their important part in
bringing Christ’s message to non-Catholics, especially by their
lives, which are a living picture of the good news. Each Catholic
is like a television set, which broadcasts the picture of Jesus
Christ and His message.
PRAYER
“Lord, may I recognize your visitation and be prepared for your
action today, just as Simeon Anna were prepared and ready to respond
to your visitation and action in their day.”
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