The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Mother of God

“Still-Life with Symbols of the Virgin Mary”
by Dirck de Bray, 1672

Information about the Catholic Teaching on the Blessed Virgin Mary

Information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church about Mary

Readings for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: Numbers 6:22-27

The LORD said to Moses:

“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:

This is how you shall bless the Israelites.

Say to them:

The LORD bless you and keep you!

The LORD let his face shine upon

you, and be gracious to you!

The LORD look upon you kindly and

give you peace!

So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,

and I will bless them.”

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Commentary on Nm 6:22-27

This passage contains the “Priestly Blessing” or the “Blessing of Aaron”.  It was to be used by priests to bless the people of God.  “…let his face shine upon you!” would indicate an act of divine pleasure. As Christians, the finial strophe of the blessing – “The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” is seen as being fulfilled at the birth of the Messiah – Jesus, Son of God and son of Mary.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.

May God have pity on us and bless us;

   may he let his face shine upon us.

So may your way be known upon earth;

   among all nations, your salvation.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

May the nations be glad and exult

   because you rule the peoples in equity;

   the nations on the earth you guide.

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

May the peoples praise you, O God;

   may all the peoples praise you!

May God bless us,

   and may all the ends of the earth fear him!

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

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Commentary on Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

Psalm 67 is a blessing and has elements of the ancient blessing of Aaron from Numbers 6:22ff (above). This blessing has more of a plaintive tone (a lament), beseeching, almost pleading that the Lord bless us.

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Reading II: Galatians 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,

born of a woman, born under the law,

to ransom those under the law,

so that we might receive adoption as sons.

As proof that you are sons,

God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,

crying out, “Abba, Father!”

So you are no longer a slave but a son,

and if a son then also an heir, through God.

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Commentary on Gal 4:4-7

“God sent his Son, born of a woman” this passage, taken as part of the Gospel proclaimed by St. Paul,  provides the Galatians with the important fact that Mary gave birth to Jesus. He did not mystically appear to us. Jesus is (was) true man, meaning he went through the biological birth process. That also means that Mary, the Mother of God went through all of the difficult physical process of giving birth.

St. Paul goes on to remind us that through this action we are all adopted by God and are entitled to call God our Father “Abba” a familial term of endearment (translated into American usage as “daddy”).

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Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary

and Joseph,

and the infant lying in the manger.

When they saw this,

they made known the message

that had been told them about this child.

All who heard it were amazed

by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things,

reflecting on them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all they had heard and seen,

just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision,

he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel

before he was conceived in the womb.

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Commentary on Lk 2:16-21

The message, given to the shepherds by choirs of angels that they, in turn, brought to Mary that she kept and reflected in her heart about was; “For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." (Luke 2 11-12)

This encounter with the shepherds further reinforces Mary’s faith, the acceptance of her child’s role explained to her by the Archangel Gabriel when this wonderful and tragic journey began.

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Homily for the Octave Day of Christmas – The Solemnity of Mary

First, let me wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. This is a time when we generally take stock of what we want to accomplish in the up-coming year and resolve to take positive action to accomplish those new goals. We may vow to lose weight, save money, or to work harder at school or at our jobs.  Our New Year’s resolutions are made so that the year ahead will see us happier and more fulfilled going forward.  Ironically, we also celebrate on this day the Solemnity of Mary; the high feast day of the Blessed Virgin in whose son’s birth we rejoiced just eight days ago.  I say “ironically” because she, more than any other saint we venerate, more than any other person in the history of humankind, points to that which can give us all the happiness and fulfillment we can imagine – the peace of her son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

On this holy Octave day of Christmas, St. Luke’s story of the nativity continues with the announcement by the shepherds of the news they had heard from the heavenly hosts (Luke 2:8-14).  In the context of the times, this would have been a singularly amazing event; shepherds abandoning their flocks (they never left their flocks) coming to the little town of Bethlehem in awe and wonder seeking a manger and a new born child.

The Magi had not yet arrived and Joseph and his bride were in humble surroundings with their new born child.  Here come a group of shepherds praising God, astounded to find this new King as they had been told, wrapped in swaddling clothes in the stable.  It was true – God’s messengers had announced this momentous birth, not to kings and princes, but to lowly shepherds.  It was they who gave the Prince of Peace the first praise upon his entry into the world as man.

Within this incredible scene is the new mother, Mary, Blessed Virgin, Mother of God’s great gift.  What must she have thought seeing these reclusive herdsmen mysteriously drawn there by angelic choirs?  We recall that God’s touch-points with her had been early in her pregnancy.  She was told what to expect (as was St. Joseph) but that had been some time ago.  Even the greeting of St. Elizabeth (“"Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”) had been several months earlier.  The little mother must have been somewhat puzzled by the events as they had unfolded.  To our best knowledge, she was never told that she would not have this child in the traditional setting, in her home with kinswomen around her.  When she came due and delivered this baby in a manger of all places, she must have wondered if Gabriel’s message and St. Elizabeth’s greeting had been a dream. 

But here come shepherds, praising God and giving thanks for her Son, God’s Son, now nestled in her arms.  They spoke of heavenly hosts and glad tidings of great joy, and she knew, she knew it was all true.  This child she had carried and nurtured was destined to be the salvation of the world and she had brought this new life into the world.  And this she silently pondered, perhaps again saying in her heart “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.  My spirit rejoices in God my savior!”

In that opening offering from the Magnificat we see the attitude of one truly “full of grace”. In her humility she shows us the grace of her yet unborn Son already giving the gift of God’s peace.  What more can we hope for from our New Year’s resolutions than to find an interior peace that gives us the ability to overcome all obstacles; to endure any trial?

As we consider what we hope to accomplish in this New Year, let us put a pledge to emulate Mother Mary at the very top of that list.  If we, like the Blessed Virgin, focus all our efforts for the greater Glory of God through Christ Jesus, our Mother’s prayers will be with us and our success will be that much more assured.

On this, the solemn feast of Mary we remember how she began her wondrous and tragic journey.  We see her sacrifice, faith, and grace as examples of what we strive to become in the service of the Son she gave us – the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world.  Today we pray fervently for her intercession for she has become Queen of Heaven, and as such, has the special favor of her Son.  May we faithfully continue our journey to Jesus this year and conform ourselves to him and his mother.

Pax

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[1] ALTRE

[2] The picture is “Still-Life with Symbols of the Virgin Mary” by Dirck de Bray, 1672

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL).  This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

“Nativity”
by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, 1488-94

Saint Sylvester I, Pope

Alternate Proper for the Memorial of St. Sylvester I

Readings for the Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Reading 1: 1 John 2:18-21

Children, it is the last hour;

and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,

so now many antichrists have appeared.

Thus we know this is the last hour.

They went out from us, but they were not really of our number;

if they had been, they would have remained with us.

Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.

But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One,

and you all have knowledge.

I write to you not because you do not know the truth but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

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Commentary on 1 Jn 2:18-21

After telling his community that they were armed by their knowledge of Christ against evil, the Apostle now tells them that he hour is near.  Christ has died and is risen and the second coming must be approaching.  He warns them to be alert and watch out for the antichrist (This designation occurs only in the writings of St. John.  In Matthew and Mark they are called false messiahs, in St. Paul’s letters the same person(s) is designated “lawless one”.)  This group of “Antichrists” mentioned by the Biblical Authors seems to indicate a group of persons who were teaching falsely about Jesus.

St. John identifies these antichrists as individuals who schismatically leave the faith community, holding false premises.  He then tells those who are faithful to be steadfast because they are anointed in the truth.

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Sing to the LORD a new song;

sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name;

announce his salvation, day after day.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

let the sea and what fills it resound;

let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

The LORD comes,

he comes to rule the earth.

He shall rule the world with justice

and the peoples with his constancy.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

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Commentary on Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

This song of praise exhorts the people to praise the Lord for his wondrous works of creation. The reason for this exhortation is that God will come to rule the earth with his justice. In this passage we see the forerunner of the understanding of the New Jerusalem – the Heavenly Kingdom.

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Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things came to be through him,

and without him nothing came to be.

What came to be through him was life,

and this life was the light of the human race;

the light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify to the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world,

and the world came to be through him,

but the world did not know him.

He came to what was his own,

but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him

he gave power to become children of God,

to those who believe in his name,

who were born not by natural generation

nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision

but of God.

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us,

and we saw his glory,

the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,

full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying,

“This was he of whom I said,

‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me

because he existed before me.’”

From his fullness we have all received,

grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses,

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God.

The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,

has revealed him.

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Commentary on Jn 1:1-18

The introduction of St. John’s Gospel is also used in the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord (Cycle A).  It first provides the description of the relationship of God and Jesus who is the Logos – or word of God. The Word is light to the world and all things are subordinate to the Word because they were created by and through the Word.

St. John then introduces John the Baptist as one who came to testify to the light (now equivocated above with the Word). His message, like that of Jesus was not accepted by the very people created by the Lord. He goes on to say that those who accept Christ are adopted by God.

St. John then makes his own profession as he speaks of the incarnation of the eternal as “the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” His divinity is once more established as he says “…we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son”. This was the message St. John tells us he was sent to bring. He then reestablishes himself as messenger and servant of the one who sent him, Jesus. He says that while Moses brought the Law, Christ came and revealed God himself.

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Reflection:

We are once more awed by the opening phrases of St. John’s Gospel as he tells us; “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  Even as we reflect on the profound implications of these words we are struck by the contrast in tone of the Evangelist’s First Letter that was our first reading.

There is something important in that fist reading, something that is central to our belief in the Word.  If we truly believe in the truth, that “In the Beginning” (before time, before creation) Christ existed in the Father and with the Father, “…the Word was with God, and the Word was God”; if we believe this there is a transformation within us.  That transformation is accomplished in us by God at our Baptism and sealed in us at our Confirmation.  If some later event occurs that drives us away from God; if some antichrist or false teacher places a wedge between us and God, that change of character is still there.

In the Detroit, Michigan area right now a 15 year old boy is in jail for shooting and killing a police officer.  They are likely going to try him as an adult.  As the image of this young man was shown on the TV screen sitting in the court room, we could not help but wonder where had he been twisted?  At what point had those entrusted with the light of faith failed to protect him from those who had taught him to disrespect civil authority, that it violence was an acceptable path?

While St. John is speaking to his congregation about a different sort of situation (he speaks of those converted but not baptized who were, in a sense, shopping for something to believe in).  When they feel away from the Christian Community and began persecuting the Christians, some of the faithful wondered if God’s saving hand had left them.  In our day and age we see the same kind of thing from time to time as aspirants, desperate to find something to believe in “explore” the faith.  But we know that those that leave, who reject the faith, often find it either too hard, or requiring them to change their lifestyles, attitudes, or secular views more than they are willing.

Belief in the Logos – the Word made flesh and all he stands for is hard.  Belief, true belief requires us to act in certain ways and often respond with counterintuitive actions; not in our best interests but out of love.  In this upcoming year, let us pledge to become more in tune with the Word, who was and is.  Let us work diligently to help the world become a better place where young people (and old) will not be left to the false teachers and antichrists of our day.

Pax

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[1] ALTRE

[2] The picture used today is “Nativity” by Francesco Di Giorgio Martini, 1488-94

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL).  This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

“The Holy Family with Angels”
by Harmenszoon van Rijn Rembrant

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family[1][2]

Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Readings and Commentary:[3]

Note: In Dioceses of the United States all of the options below are available.  The readings specific to the B Cycle are Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3, Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9, Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19, and Luke 2:22-40 (or the shorter form - Luke 2:22, 39-40).

Reading 1: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

For the LORD sets a father in honor over his children;

a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.

He who honors his father atones for sins,

he stores up riches who reveres his mother.

He who honors his father is gladdened by children,

and, when he prays, is heard.

He who reveres his father will live a long life;

he obeys he obeys the LORD who brings

comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old;

grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;

revile him not in the fullness of your strength.

For kindness to a father will not be forgotten,

it will serve as a sin offering

--it will take lasting root.

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Commentary on Sir 3:2-6, 12-14

This reading from Sirach is essentially an exposition of the Commandment to Honor your father and mother. It goes into greater length about the positive benefits that come to the person who does so and does link to early Hebrew belief that the honor received by the father of a household was transferred to the children (just as in the omitted verses 8-11, the sins are also transmitted to the children).

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Or: Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3

Some time after these events,

the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying:

“Fear not, Abram!

I am your shield;

I will make your reward very great.”

But Abram said,

“O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be,

if I keep on being childless

and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?”

Abram continued,

“See, you have given me no offspring,

and so one of my servants will be my heir.”

Then the word of the LORD came to him:

“No, that one shall not be your heir;

your own issue shall be your heir.”

He (the Lord) took Abram outside and said,

“Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.

Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”

Abram put his faith in the LORD,

who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.

The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would;

he did for her as he had promised.

Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age,

at the set time that God had stated.

Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his

whom Sarah bore him.

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Commentary on Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3

Abram was earlier promised the land he now occupies as a possession. In this section we find Abram complaining that he has no heir and therefore all he has will pass to his servant. In response God tells him that he will be given offspring; “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”

God’s physical response is found in the first three verses of Chapter 21 as Sarah, the wife of Abraham is given Isaac, the heir of their union (in the intervening verses, Hanna, Sarah’s servant, bears him Ishmael).

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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,

   who walks in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

   in the recesses of your home;

your children like olive plants

   around your table.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Behold, thus is the man blessed

   who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion:

   may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem

   all the days of your life.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

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Commentary on Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Psalm 128 is a song of thanksgiving. It begins here with the typical blessings for following and having faith in the Lord. This selection features the blessing a family brings to the faithful using the symbolism of vines and olives so favored by even the Lord.

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Or: Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. (7a , 8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;

make known among the nations his deeds.

Sing to him, sing his praise,

proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Glory in his holy name;

rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!

Look to the LORD in his strength;

constantly seek his face.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants,

sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!

He, the LORD, is our God;

throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

He remembers forever his covenant

which he made binding for a thousand generations

which he entered into with Abraham

and by his oath to Isaac.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

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Commentary on Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

The song of praise we are given today exhorts us to praise the Lord constantly and to remember his covenant with Abraham and Isaac. We of course praise him for the new covenant in Jesus, for which the Son of God became the sealing sacrifice.

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Reading II: Colossians 3:12-21

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

bearing with one another and forgiving one another,

if one has a grievance against another;

as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

And over all these put on love,

that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,

the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,

singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,

as is proper in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives,

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything,

for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children,

so they may not become discouraged.

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Commentary on Col 3:12-21

Here we have the rather controversial family hierarchy of the era described by St. Paul. This entire section of the letter is a discourse on harmony within the family of Christ.  It is important to note the instruction given in the first part of this reading. Paul describes the Christian rules for relationships; “Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another”.

When the subordinated relationships are described below, equality in membership in the family is established.

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Or: Colossians 3:12-17

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

bearing with one another and forgiving one another,

if one has a grievance against another;

as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

And over all these put on love,

that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,

the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,

as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,

singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed,

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through him.

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Commentary on Col 3:12-17

This option omits the hierarchical relationship descriptions.  Its focus remains consistent, however, driving the Pauline ideals of harmony and unity within the Christian Family.

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Or: Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place

that he was to receive as an inheritance;

he went out, not knowing where he was to go.

By faith he received power to generate,

even though he was past the normal age

--and Sarah herself was sterile--

for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.

So it was that there came forth from one man,

himself as good as dead,

descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky

and as countless as the sands on the seashore.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac,

and he who had received the promises was ready to offer

his only son,

of whom it was said,

“Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.”

He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead,

and he received Isaac back as a symbol.

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Commentary on Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

This reading from the Hebrews provides an example of faith from God’s relationship with mankind, Abraham and his miraculous role as father of nations. All his descendents never saw the promise of the resurrection – but died in faith and so have been invited to share. The passage concludes with the example of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac and his consequent understanding that God was able to raise those asleep in death.

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Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

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.”

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.[4]

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 Messiah 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.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was advanced in years,

having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple,

but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time,

she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child

to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions

of the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee,

to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favor of God was upon him.

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Commentary on Lk 2:22-40

St. Luke begins the account of the Lord’s presentation reminding us that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, followed Mosaic Law by observing the Rite of Purification which by tradition was required of any member of the community who had come in contact with the “Mystery”, life and death, the birth of a child or the burial of the dead.

At the Temple in Jerusalem they encounter two prophetic figures Simeon and Anna. Both of these figures proclaim that the Messiah is come in the person of the Lord. We also hear from Simeon an image of the Lord’s passion and how a sword of sorrow will pierce the Holy Mother’s heart.

Simeon’s prediction, a man who “was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel”. was told by the Holy Spirit that he would not pass away until he had seen the Messiah. He has declared that this promise has been fulfilled and then turns to Mary and makes the prediction about the nature of Christ’s ministry and the nature of the sorrow she will endure.

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Or: Luke 2:22, 39-40

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.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions

of the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee,

to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favor of God was upon him.

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Commentary on Lk 2:22, 39-40

St. Luke’s account of Jesus being presented at the Temple provides a unique insight into the Holy Family. They are faithful observes of the Law of Moses. “Their purification: syntactically, their must refer to Mary and Joseph, even though the Mosaic law never mentions the purification of the husband. Recognizing the problem, some Western scribes have altered the text to read "his purification," understanding the presentation of Jesus in the temple as a form of purification; the Vulgate version has a Latin form that could be either "his" or "her." According to the Mosaic law (Lev 12:2-8), the woman who gives birth to a boy is unable for forty days to touch anything sacred or to enter the temple area by reason of her legal impurity.”[5]  In addition to this description we see that Jesus was returned to Nazareth to grow in stature

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Reflection:

With the broad spectrum of scripture provided today we look for a common thread passing through it to guide our own understanding of what this feast should represent for us.  We see the continuity of God’s plan that began in Genesis with Abraham and his promised family passing through the time of King David and the songs composed honoring Abraham’s faithfulness to his covenant with God.  With that covenant, St. Paul says to the Hebrews, God’s family spread to be finally adopted in Christ.

In the Gospel of St. Luke the importance of stressing faith values in the family is expressed as we find Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Christ to the Temple as prescribed by Mosaic Law.  Even in this act the savior is identified – the incarnate word made flesh is recognized by those under the influence of the Holy Spirit – in a sense; God recognizes his own essence in the child who is the Messiah.

What is significant for us to recognize is that even in the case of the unique Christ Child, the family creating an environment of holiness was important to relate.  Jesus, an infant who was at once God came from Mary’s pristine womb into a family that guarded and nurtured the infant.  They seek God’s help and protection and are guided by faith.  The Holy Family is truly an example all families should follow.

Today, within the joy of this season when families are brought together by faith in God and faith in each other, we look at the crèche and see there Joseph, Mary and Jesus.  We see the love of God and love of family and are moved once more to embrace the example of familial love they exemplify, pledging ourselves to do as they have done, establishing God’s presence in their families as a bond.  It is so hard to do.  With great love comes great power over those who love us and are loved by us.  It is so easy to take them for granted or see unintended hurt in what they say or do.

Let us pray this day (and each day) that the Holy Family may guide our families as we strive to keep Christ in our midst.

Pax

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[1] ALTRE

[2] The picture used today is “The Holy Family with Angels” by Harmenszoon van Rijn Rembrant

[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible with the exception of the Psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This re-publication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.

[4] v. 24 is omitted from the published text at USCCB but is contained in the Lectionary for Mass.

[5] See NAB Footnote on Lk 2:22