1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 95; Luke 2:22-35
In our first reading today St John reminds us of the commandment to love one another, a love which must be as self-sacrificing as the love of Christ for us. By living out this commandment we will come to perfection in God and we will truly be living Christian lives. Failure to live by love removes us from the light of Christ so that we become the people who walk in darkness. In our gospel passage we read of the presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple in accordance with the Law. While there, the Holy Family are met by Simeon who blesses them and thanks God for letting him see the Messiah before he dies, which he can now do in peace. He also warns them – especially Mary – that though this child is the Son of God there will also be suffering associated with him.
In our first reading today St John reminds us of the commandment to love one another, a love which must be as self-sacrificing as the love of Christ for us. By living out this commandment we will come to perfection in God and we will truly be living Christian lives. Failure to live by love removes us from the light of Christ so that we become the people who walk in darkness. In our gospel passage we read of the presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple in accordance with the Law. While there, the Holy Family are met by Simeon who blesses them and thanks God for letting him see the Messiah before he dies, which he can now do in peace. He also warns them – especially Mary – that though this child is the Son of God there will also be suffering associated with him.