The Prophecy on Christ

Gospel
Luke 2:22-35
This is the light of revelation to the Gentiles.

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.”

Reflection
The Gospel shared with us 3 elements. Firstly Christ came to the temple to fulfil the jewish law and tradition . Second was God kept his promise to Simeone that he will see Christ before he dies. Finally the prophecy of Simeone that Christ will be the cause of the rise and fall of many. This reading reminds us the church have law and tradition that we must follow. God has promised us salvation if we follow Christ and walk in his way. Finally following Christ will bring salvation but also persecution. Is salvation our objective in life?

Let us pray
Lord Jesus your birth will bring us salvation and persecution. Grant we pray the Holy Spirit will continue to shadow us so that we will continue to bring Good news to mankind.

Amen

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