Gospel of the day: Luke 2:22-40 (February 2, 2021)

 Gospel of the day: Luke 2:22-40

February 2, 2021

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Then it was time for the purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of the child: so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, "If a woman's first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord."So they offered a sacrifice according to what was required in the law of the Lord - "either a pair of turtledoves pr two young pigeons."

The Prophecy of Simeon

Now there was a man named Simeon who lived in Jerusalem. He was a righteous man and very devout. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, "Lord, now I can die in peace! As you promised me. I have seen the Savior you have given to all people. He is the light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!"

Joseph and Mary were amazed at what was being said about Jesus. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, "This child will be rejected by many in Israel, and it will be their undoing. But he will be the greatest joy to many others. Thus, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul."

The Prophecy of Anna

Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, and was very old. She was a widow, for her husband had died when they had been married only seven years. She was now eighty-four years old. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshipping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about Jesus to everyone who had been waiting for the promised King to come and deliver Jerusalem.

When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom beyond his years, and God placed his special favor upon him.

The Gospel of the Lord.



Reflection

The gospel presents the gift of God - Jesus. Simeon and Anna, show the continual worship of God through acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah. They never doubt to believe in the Messiah and when Jesus was offered in the Temple, they praised God. It shows that God always fulfills His promise, we just need to be patient and wait for the right time. Also, the gospel teaches us to keep our faith in the Lord even we experienced the hardest times in our life. Despite all the odds, let us focus on God and daily renew our commitment to Him.