The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

“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." -Luke 2:25-35

God reaches from outside of time and space to touch and hold each of us. He works miracles that should amaze us in our lives, but how often do we overlook His actions? How many stories of God are not being recorded and retold because we weren’t looking for them?

Mary and Joseph accepted and embraced the Lord into their lives and, therefore, saw His signs everywhere they looked. So must we be like Mary and Joseph, looking for God everywhere and living in amazement of His providence and works. We must bear open our hearts and reveal to all who will hear the miracles we have seen the Lord work in our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Saint Thomas Becket, pray for us.

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Jesus, I trust in you!