Daily Mass Gospel Reflection- Right Dwelling

Word on Fire Ministry ^ | 12.29.21 | Aux. Bishop R. Barron

[MurphsLaw]

Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Luke 2:22-35

Friends, today’s Gospel tells the story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. The temple was, in practically a literal sense, the dwelling place of the Lord. In the temple, divinity and humanity embraced, and the human race was brought back online with God.

But the sins of the nation had, according to the prophet Ezekiel, caused the glory of the Lord to depart from the temple. Therefore, one of the deepest aspirations of Israel’s people was to reestablish the temple as the place of right praise so that the glory of the Lord might return. When Joseph and Mary bring the infant Jesus into the temple, therefore, we are meant to appreciate that the prophecy of Ezekiel is being fulfilled. The glory of Yahweh is returning to his favorite dwelling. And this is precisely what Simeon sees.

The old seer is a symbol of ancient Israel, watching and waiting for the coming of the Messiah. Simeon knew all of the old prophecies; he embodied the expectation of the nation; and the Holy Spirit had given him the revelation that he would not die until he had laid eyes on his Savior.

[MurphsLaw]

+++ When the days were completed
for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
the parents of Jesus 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:

“Lord, now let your servant go in
peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of
every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of 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.”+++