Pray about it, wrestle with it

Sisters and brothers in Christ, Saint John speaks plainly when he tells us, in today's first reading, that "way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. . . whoever claims to abide in him ought to walk just as he walked." Even Mary and Joseph are obedient to what "is written in the law of the Lord" when they present their Son, Jesus, to the Lord in the temple "accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord."

I often have people come to me and share that they have difficulties with Church teachings. In response, I encourage them to take it to prayer, wrestle with it, and ask the Holy Spirit to bring them clarity. Most of all, I encourage them to remain faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to the Catholic Church, just as Mary remained faithful to God and trusted in Him completely even when she new that she herself "a sword will pierce". The Blessed Mother kept all these things in her heart but her response to God was always "Here I am ".

As we wind down 2022 and look forward to 2023, I would invite everyone to delve into Church teachings. I am excited that Fr. Mike Schmitz, who did "The Bible in a Year" podcast, will be leading another podcast - "The Catechism in a Year". It is a wonderful way for us to learn more about Church teachings and wrestle with those that challenge us.

. . .

Gospel of the Day

When the days were completed for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

the parents of Jesus 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.

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 Christ 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:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you prepared in the sight of every people,

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of 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.”