December 29, 2009
The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
By Beth DeCristofaro
The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. … But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. (1 John 2:3, 5)
“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
Piety
Lord, help your servant to walk in peace. May I see the light of your salvation and serve you as I build your kingdom each and every day. Whether I experience the sadness of human frailty, the challenge of human limitation, the horror of human wickedness, or the poignancy of human kindness, fill my soul with your light which infuses the universe with love beyond measuring. Amen
Study
What mother or father – or for that matter what doting aunt or uncle - has not had that moment described by Simeon as he says to Mary: “and you yourself a sword will pierce.” (Luke 2:35). After all, a mother, rapt in the survey of her baby girl’s perfect toes, might experience a pang as she realizes that one day this little girl will break away from her hand and run toward danger. Or a father, proud of his son leaving to drive to his first job might tremble with the thought that a cop or drunk driver might encounter his careful and peaceable son tonight – particularly if the family is African-American or other ethnic member.
But the sword that Simeon mentions, at the end of his beautiful song of praise and thanksgiving, is even more than what most families know. The footnote to the NAB states that “…Mary herself will not be untouched by the various reactions to the role of Jesus. Her blessedness as mother of the Lord will be challenged by her son who describes true blessedness as “hearing the word of God and observing it.” Mary not only has the pang of anticipation but the confirmation that her son is only temporarily hers as is each child. Every child, every adult, belongs to God before her family, before himself.
Simeon’s prayer confirms that Mary’s baby is so much more than son yet he is also fully her son to nurture, love and worry over. The call to be faithful calls for steadfastness, courage and dependence on God’s overwhelming love which knows far greater than we do what is good, what is right for us as God’s beloved children. The arrows of misfortune and sin which pierce our hearts in our lives have already pierced the hearts of God himself and his holy Mother. As John said in the reading from yesterday: we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2) We are brought closer to God who will never forsake us, just as Mary did not forsake her Son even at the cross, in tragedy or joy. In Jesus the Word is fulfilled and ours for the taking.
Action
In this Christmas season, spend some time with a child enjoying and encouraging the wonder and love of youth. Consider donating time to a child in need.
