Daily Gospel Reflection for December 29, 2020

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Cathy G. Knipper

Today's Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

Oh, how I love this story! My heart swells with joy at the mystery God has wrought in these important characters in the life of our divine Savior. I think of the people not mentioned in this story—the rabbi and the priests and those who received the offerings of this poor couple, bringing to sacrifice what was offered by the poorest. I wonder how Joseph chose what to make or sell to buy these offerings before entering the temple to do his faithful duty before God.

I think of Mary, a new mother, in all her human physicality, coming to the temple to be purified after the birth of her son. I wonder if she missed her parents as she entered this important milestone in her life as a Hebrew woman.

Then God brings forth to the temple the grandfather figure of the faithful Simeon. What a holy man of God! How in tune he must have been to the promptings of the Spirit to obey God’s call on that day, at that time, praising God for this child.

It is Simeon who introduces us to Our Lady of Sorrows, reassuring Mary, as if she were his own mother, that though her sufferings would be great, that same suffering would bring many souls to her Son. His words are prophecies of what is to come, causing “The child’s father and mother (to be) amazed at what was said about him”.

Mary and Joseph said yes to their faith. They said yes to their parenthood of Jesus. So often they were amazed and filled with wonder by their divine Son and his effect on others—yet they persevered in their quiet faith. May we too be faithful in our personal journey with Jesus.

Ponder:

Am I open to the promptings of the Spirit?

Pray:

Lord, may I, like Simeon, be open to the Spirit and Your will. May I always praise You and all Your works.

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Mary and Joseph said yes to their faith. They said yes to the parenthood of Jesus. May we too be faithful in our personal journey with Jesus. #dailygospel

Copyright 2020 Cathy G. Knipper

Cathy G. Knipper is a Catholic wife and mother to three adult children and two sons-in-law who came to her fully-grown. She is a farmer’s daughter, and former journalist turned freelance book publicist. She writes for various online and print publications. She blogs at http://awordinprogress.com/