Homily for Wednesday, 5th day within the Octave of Christmas

Homily for Wednesday, 5th day within the Octave of Christmas

Theme: The presentation of Jesus in the temple

By: Fr. Mike Lagrimas

Homily for Wednesday December 29 2021

Lk 2:22-35

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they 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 Messiah 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: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for 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.”

The scene in the Gospel today, the fifth day in the octave of Christmas, is the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. The old and holy man, Simeon, received a message from the Lord who promised him that he would not die until he has seen the promised Messiah.

When the Holy Family came to the Temple for the circumcision of the child, Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, immediately recognized the Child, and sang this famous Canticle, “Nunc Dimittis.” He has seen the Messiah, and now he is ready to die. He has seen the Light, and now he has no fear of entering the darkness of death. This canticle is used by the Church every night in the Night Prayers before going to bed.

When we sleep, we are not sure if we will still wake up the next day. That is why some people who are afraid of dying are also afraid of sleeping, which they consider as an experience of dying. The Church uses this Canticle of Simeon as part of our prayer before we go to sleep because it gives us courage and hope in facing the inevitability of death. We will all die, but there is nothing to be afraid of, because Jesus is here with us, the Light of the world. No matter how dark the night is, the light of Christ shines on in darkness, giving us hope and salvation.

Lord, protect us as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Amen.

Fr. Mike Lagrimas

St. Michael the Archangel Parish

Diocese of Novaliches