Homily Sixth Day Within the Octave of Christmas (Lk 2:36-40) “What Do I Fail to See?”
Homily Sixth Day Within the Octave of Christmas (Lk 2:36-40) “What Do I Fail to See?”
When Joseph and Mary are in the temple completing their religious obligations regarding the birth of Jesus, they met two people, Simeon and Anna. Both seem to be your typical “church people.” If they were Catholic and living in our community, they would probably be the individuals who would be attending daily Mass every day. Perhaps they would be lighting vigil lights or sitting in the back row saying the rosary.
They were part of the Anawim which means the simple believers. The Anawim were poor, uneducated pious believers. Jesus had a great sympathy for these individuals. In fact, that was who he lived with most of his life. Somehow it seems only right that these were the people who recognized the Christ child.
When we think about it, it is amazing that Simeon and Anna recognized the Christ child. On any given day, there had to be dozens of children brought to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Also, there were thousands of people coming and going. Yet, Simeon and Anna saw something special in the Holy Family.
Both uttered prophetic statements concerning Jesus. How was it that they were able to see what others were unable to see? Many times, it would seem, our sophistication gets in the way of our seeing extraordinary things. Another way to put it is that we do not see the extraordinary in the ordinary. We see a baby and shrug our shoulders and go on.
Simeon and Anna saw a newborn child and they saw potential. They were able to see a savior for the world. Perhaps it was because they were not looking with their head but with their hearts and they were rewarded for their patience.
Simeon uttered his canticle of praise called the Nunc Dimittus. He was ready to die because he had seen the Messiah. The night prayer of the church has that canticle. Before we go to sleep, we are encouraged to give thanks for all we have seen. If we all did that at the end of every day how sound would we rest?
Reflection Questions:
- What ordinary blessings did I ignore yesterday? What do I need to watch for today?
- Is it bad to be part of the Anawim? Why might that lead to greater holiness?
Dear Parishioners,
Remember that for the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary we are not have pre-registration online. You will be asked to simply sign in at the door when you arrive. We do this in case there is anyone who comes to church carrying the virus. So far, we have been very fortunate in that we have not had to call anyone.
The Feast of the Solemnity of Mary is not a holy day of obligation this year because of the pandemic. It still would be good to come and pray for our world. Our Lady is a great intercessor and prayer partner. This is her feast. There are many troubles that we need to place before her.
We will be having adoration for a half hour after 10a.m. Mass on Friday. This would be an extra opportunity to pray for any special intentions you have for 2021. Benediction will end the time of adoration.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark