Fr. Rick’s Homily for the Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas December 29, 2023

Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
December 29, 2023, Luke 2:22-35
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122923.cfm

Relief From What?

Mother Mary and St. Joseph are carrying into the Temple the Light that shines in our darkness. Many see this couple as so poor that they can offer only two turtledoves for His Presentation. How many saw the Holy Family that day and took no notice?

But one person did notice. His name was Simeon, a righteous prophet who, through God’s gift, knew that his Mother would bear great sorrow for her Son. That sorrow of Mother and Son would one day crush the darkness in people’s hearts. We know how painfully divisive and hurtful relationships can be. John tells us in the 1st reading, “Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in the darkness.”

Mother Mary and Jesus experienced on Calvary the total darkness that blinds all humanity from the love of God. “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me ‘in the soul of family life our nation.’ “

Let us pray that we will not be like the rest of the crowd on the day of Jesus’ Presentation and take no notice of the Light that shines in our darkness, of the divine Love that overcomes our hate for someone.

Gospel Challenge:
Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel. What relief am I waiting for in Christ Jesus?

Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena

Peace be with you,

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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