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SPIRITUAL LIVING
Prayer and Devotions
Wonder and Prayer
by Father Ernest Daly, LC
Resolution: Today, receive Christ in communion with greater fervor or make a spiritual communion during the day.
December 29, 2007
Fifth day of the octave of Christmas
Luke 2:22-35
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."
Introductory Prayer: Lord, I rejoice that you have come to the temple of my heart today. I believe in your love. I hope in your mercy. My heart anxiously awaits the fulfillment of your promise. Thank you for looking for me today. My response is simply a response to your great love.
Petition: Lord, help me to rejoice more each day at your presence in my heart.
1. Long Time Waiting. Our Advent was a short wait compared to how long Simeon had to wait. But he, like us, knew that the Lord would come. Yet how marvelous it is that in coming to his home, his Temple, the Son of God comes not to claim it in power and majesty. Rather he quietly fills it with divine love, hardly visible in the peeping eyes of a child. Yet how glorious is this child, a child long-awaited, the child who would consummate the love between Israel and her divine spouse. God is faithful to his promises.
2. Joy and Sorrow. How joyful must Mary have felt to bring her child to his true Father! More than Simeon, Mary marvels deeply at what God has done in this child who lies in her arms. She offers him back out of love and wonder. She consecrates him to the service of his Father. What wonders she hears about this child! The words of the angel are confirmed. Yet there is a new element: a promise of sorrow. How should she understand this? How does it fit with the wonder and joy she experiences?
3. In Prayer. Mary wonders in her heart, “What can this saying mean?” Often we are deeply surprised that God offers us suffering in our walk with him. In prayer, the Mother hears again the words of the angel: “Be not afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” She not only found favor with God, but also intimacy with him. This prophesied suffering will be part of the path of intimacy. Her son will walk a path of sorrow and greatness for the Father. Mary commits to never leaving him alone. She commits to trust. The One who leads her is worthy of trust. Like her child, Mary also presents her soul to the Father this day, presenting him the deed of her life and of her heart. Do I dare to simply entrust my life to the Lord? Do I allow myself to be lead by him?
Conversation with Christ: Lord, you have made my heart your temple. I want to welcome you there in a very special way this Christmas time. Thank you for this intimacy with you. Help me to rejoice more each day in your presence and look forward to our definitive encounter in heaven. I know I can entrust you with my life. Take it, Lord, and do with it what you wish. Help me to bring you to others.
Resolution: Today I will receive Christ in communion with greater fervor or make a spiritual communion during the day.
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