Friday Gospel Recharge: A Reflection on the Gospel of Luke 2: 22-35

 

Friday Gospel Recharge Series

Friday Gospel Recharge

A Reflection on Luke 2: 22-35 

(5th Day within the Octave of Christmas, Year B of the Liturgical Calander, 2023)

Christ is Messiah and People Dedicated to God Proclaim this Truth

Dedicating oneself to living in the world as either married or single person can be a hard slog for those people. Often, we approach many societal pressures to compromise the truth of the Gospel in our workspace. Most of the time people are pressured to be silent on the doctrinal moral truths of the Church but today it can be equally pressured to renounce the universality of the Godhead in Jesus Christ. All religions lead to the truth many would want us to think, so why can’t we accept every religion equally since each claim something about God?

In today’s Gospel we learn about Mary and her spouse Joseph dedicating the Christ child to the Lord in the temple. For us Catholics this might seem hard to grasp why Mary and Joesph would do that, since our faith informs us that Jesus is God in the flesh, so why then is he required to be offered to God as prescribed by the Mosaic Law? Two things come to mind in this instance. First, Mary and Joseph were devout Jews; they did what the Law required them. Secondly, Jesus was doing the will of the Father via the agency of Mary and Joseph. In fact, in the life of Jesus all his actions were orientated towards giving activity to the Father’s will, so irrespective of his infancy he, no doubt, would have dedicated himself as the first born to the Lord as per prescription of the Law: ““How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2: 49).

Interestingly in this Gospel we learn of the presence of Simeon the temple priest. Not much is known about him. A very small account of him is provided here. However, his famous words acknowledge a revelation given to him, namely that after he sets his eyes on the Christ child, God would let him see his natural death. 

Now, Simeon was of the Levitical priesthood. Without going much into detail, the Levitical priest dedicates his life to sanctifying the lives of the people by providing doctrinal instructions, offering sacrifices and providing pastoral care. These three aspects are also found in the working dimensions of Catholic priests today. However, Catholic ministerial priests receive their priesthood from Christ and not from the tribe of Levite. Setting this aside, Simeon, an elderly priest of the temple, made a proclamation when he saw the Christ child. He proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah and dedicated the rest of his days proclaiming this truth. 

As Catholics we also belong the priesthood of Christ. By virtue of our baptism we enter into that common priesthood. It is through baptism that we are received into this priesthood. The laity don’t function as ministerial priests since the ministerial priest is at the service of the common priesthood sanctifying, teaching and governing it.  We share in the very work of Christ by being priests, prophets and kings in the world. In other words, we dedicate our lives to be holy, teach and serve those in need.

What are we required to teach as Catholics of the common priesthood of Christ? Indeed we proclaim and embody the moral truths of the Church. However, as Catholics we should be undeniably dedicated to proclaiming Christ as Messiah. He was not just another moral person in times past who embodied decent values. To only proclaim that would be an insult to God and those who gave themselves for the message of the Gospel. Catholics and Christians everywhere are to teach what Jesus taught, and to proclaim what the Church teaches about Christ. He is not only the Messiah. He is also God the Son and God in human form. We’re called to proclaim this truth. We have an obligation to proclaim this since by virtue of our baptism we became priests of the common priesthood and as part of our membership we are required to be wholly dedicated to the things of holiness and truth. 

Although all religions claim to offer some truths about God, Jesus coming to redeem us and to be God with us as Emmanuel makes his coming not only present at Christmas but Jesus as Emmanuel is with us every moment of every day. He wants to be with us in every part of our life. He came to redeem us. He came to be human so that we can learn to be divine. We need to not only know the truths about Him but to have a personal relationship with Him.

Society thinks that Christmas is just one day whereas as Catholics we celebrate the season of Christmas, including having an octave of Christmas where the Christmas texts are used. This Christmastide let’s be more faithful to proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah who came to redeem and restore us to the Father’s love. Let’s not be afraid to tell others that Jesus who was given to us as a gift from God the Father at Christmas is indeed God and through him we are saved. 

Friday Gospel Recharge: A Reflection on the Gospel of Luke 1: 26-38

Friday Gospel Recharge Series

Friday Gospel Recharge

A Reflection on Luke 1: 26-38 

(1st Friday in Advent, Year B of the Liturgical Calander, 2023)

Trusting in God's Plan for Our Lives

As a second-year university student majoring in Environmental Science, I used to contemplate the idea of graduating and what that future might hold: a fulfilling job, a loving and beautiful spouse, all the material luxuries life could offer. However, none of these dreams ever materialized. Even if I had pursued them, I might have only ended up with an ordinary job at best.

During these moments of daydreaming about post-graduate life, I vividly remember feeling a gentle yet persistent call from God, urging me to consider a religious vocation. Whenever I allowed my thoughts to wander toward worldly pleasures, the word "PRIESTHOOD" would suddenly disrupt my fantasies. It was as if God were trying to redirect my path. Instead of embracing this calling, I panicked and concocted a plan to silence it, determined to pursue my own ambitions.

In today's Gospel, we encounter the story of the Virgin Mary and her divine vocation as the Mother of God. What sets her vocation apart from mine is that not only did she have the incredible honour of being Jesus's mother, but she also conceived Him while remaining a virgin, a seemingly impossible feat from a natural perspective. However, as the Gospel emphasizes, nothing is impossible with God, as all creation finds its origin in Him. Mary, with her unwavering devotion to the one true God, willingly surrendered her will to Him, trusting that He could help her achieve the impossible.

As members of the human race, God calls each one of us to respond to His divine plan. In answering this call, He desires that we place our trust in what He has in store for us. Trusting God can be challenging. Some may struggle with the abstract nature of God's presence, doubting His existence or questioning their faith in His inspired Word and the teachings of the Church. Others may find it difficult to believe that what God is calling them to do is not only possible but that He won’t fulfil His part in realising those plans.

One way we can learn to develop a trusting relationship with God is by reflecting on the countless times we have failed ourselves through our own shortcomings or how those we've loved and trusted the most have let us down repeatedly. If we've experienced disappointment from ourselves or others, it begs the question: can we be so sure that God would follow suit if we don't allow some space for God to guide us where He intends us to be? In my own journey, I eventually answered God's call. While I didn’t, at least not yet, achieve ordination, I found God closing certain doors and opening new ones, making the impossible pursuit of a religious vocation possible. All my initial concerns and worries were gradually addressed by God as I progressed in formation and earnestly lived out the evangelical counsels.

If doubt in God's providence remains a stumbling block, this Gospel featuring Mary serves as a reminder that God's assurance is unwavering. Throughout the conception, birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God was steadfastly by her side. Let us turn to her example whenever we feel God calling us to undertake an incredible task. By seeking inspiration from her, we may discover the courage and faith needed to respond with the same resounding YES that she offered. Saying yes to God always opens the door to more possibilities. At Christmas, we are reminded that God's ultimate gift to us is a share in His life—a promise we receive as a precious gift.

During this Advent season, as we prepare to welcome the Christ child at Christmas, let us strive for greater faithfulness in living our lives according to God's plan. Our fidelity to God's ways can only be achieved when we first place our trust in Him.