FRIDAY DECEMBER 29, 2023
FIFTH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS YEAR B
1 John 2:3-11
Luke 2:22-35
DEFINING THE HEARTS THAT ACKNOWLEDGES AND WELCOMES CHRIST
The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ needs a welcoming humanity and compassionate hearts. Herod was so cruel and tried to destroy Jesus. But today the Church presents to us the two hearts that welcomed and acknowledged the supremacy and mission of Jesus in the world.
Simeon who was a devout man and Anna were the two devout persons promised the privilege of seeing the Saviour of the world. And the event of the presentation of Jesus in the temple offers them occasion to see the saviors of the world and witness to his divinity and his precise mission on earth.
The question of who can welcome, accept and acknowledge the coming of the Saviour of the world is then answered. Simeon and Anna represent the hearts and precisely the disposition needed to welcome, acknowledge and accept the Saviour of the world. First, these people had expectant faith, prepared minds and welcoming hands. They were always in the temple praying and meditating. They were described as devout persons who keep to good prayer life, good prayer routine and never departed the temple of God.
Simeon who was promised that he will live to see the Saviour of the world speaks in his reply to this fact, asking that he be allowed to go in peace since the promise made to him has been fulfilled. He has seen the Saviour and rejoices.
Anna also a devout woman who never leaves the temple speaks of the Saviour and admonishes Mary that a sword will pierce her heart and that will reveal the secret intentions of many. She announces to Mary the heart breaks that will meet her and the sorrows that she will pass through.
Encountering Jesus needs a ready heart, and that was why John the Baptist was sent. The church has equally regulated our preparation towards the coming of Christ by offering us over three weeks of intense preparation during the Advent season. But who knows if our hearts are truly ready and willing and if we really made adequate use of this period of Advent.
In the first reading from the first letter of saint John, John offers us practical ways of living out the ideal spirit of Christ and making him welcome in our lives as well as bearing witness of his salvation. First, he talks of openness to keeping the commandments of God and living in light. Keeping God’s commandments are veritable ways to prove that we are living in him and he is living in us. And secondly, loving ourselves and never hating anyone is the practical way of welcoming Christ in our lives and showing that we acknowledge and accept his coming.
Let us then like Simeon and Anna seek to welcome, acknowledge and accept Christ coming in the flesh with total resignation of ourselves to his will, willingness to abide by his commandments and the desire to walk with him and grow our faith.
Heavenly Father, Simeon and Anna welcomed your Son because their hearts were ready with devout life. May we welcome you with willing and ready hearts as these devout people. Give us the hearts of prayer and holiness, the heart of love and willingness to keep you commands. May we be blessed with long years, good health and your graces to overcome the tensions in this world through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
