Youth for Christ Sto. Tomas Cluster

02022012

Malachi 3:1-4 / Psalm 24 / Hebrews 2:14 – 18

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’;), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 
for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Art by: Sanchi Catura

Present

How do we prepare a gift for a special someone? Maybe some of us even traveled across the miles just to get that present. For me, my idea of a perfect gift to someone is a surprise that would make him / her happy. I’ll have it wrap in a very special wrapper which I prepared myself and even put a special card on it. Then, I am in much anticipation of seeing that joy on his/her face while receiving my gift. Witnessing such joy compensates all the efforts and sacrifices during the preparation.

Giving gifts to our loved ones has become part of our life. But, have we ever thought of the best gift that we can offer to God? I have learned that, “Life is God’s gift to man and what we do with it is our gift to Him.” I realized that I have something to do and something to give in order for me to be able to show my gratitude to Him. Everyday we are surrounded by temptations and I am also struggling to uphold this life and live according to God’s will. However, every time I feel weak and tempted I remember Jesus Christ. He offered a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people and since He himself has gone through immense suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. 

We can always have Him as our refuge and continually ask for guidance on how we can have this life as a gift to God.

When Jesus Christ was presented to the temple, He brought joy to Simeon and Anna, in Him they have seen the salvation and redemption of the people in Israel. In our present time, may we also allow other people to find joy in witnessing us and in experiencing Jesus in us.

Are you ready to present yourself to God? Together, let us witness that smile on the face of our Father.

Writer: Mary Jane Olores | Artist: Sanchi Catura
via CFCYOUTHFORCHRIST.NET