The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate our position on our journey to fullness of life as we meditate on the promises that are fulfilled by Jesus as Son and Brother.
Light and Full Life
The reading from the Prophet Malachi identifies the coming messenger of the Lord.
* [3:1] My messenger…before me: Mt 11:10 applies these words to John the Baptist; Mt 11:14 further identifies John as Elijah (see Mal 3:23). Some take God’s messenger in v. 1a to be a person distinct from “the lord” and “the messenger of the covenant” in v. 1b; others hold that they are one and the same person. Some consider “the lord” and “the messenger of the covenant” to be divine, while others hold that in the text’s literal sense he is a messianic earthly ruler.1
Psalm 24 is a hymn for entrance into the Temple.
* [Psalm 24] The Psalm apparently accompanied a ceremony of the entry of God (invisibly enthroned upon the ark), followed by the people, into the Temple. The Temple commemorated the creation of the world (Ps 24:1–2). The people had to affirm their fidelity before being admitted into the sanctuary (Ps 24:3–6; cf. Ps 15). A choir identifies the approaching God and invites the very Temple gates to bow down in obeisance (Ps 24:7–10).2
The passage from the Letter to the Hebrews declares Jesus is able to help those who are being tested.
* [2:5–18] The humanity and the suffering of Jesus do not constitute a valid reason for relinquishing the Christian faith... Because he is perfected as high priest, Jesus is then able to consecrate his people (Heb 2:11); access to God is made possible by each of these two consecrations. If Jesus is able to help human beings, it is because he has become one of us; we are his “brothers.” The author then cites three Old Testament texts as proofs of this unity between ourselves and the Son. Ps 22:22 is interpreted so as to make Jesus the singer of this lament, which ends with joyful praise of the Lord in the assembly of “brothers.” The other two texts are from Is 8:17, 18. The first of these seems intended to display in Jesus an example of the trust in God that his followers should emulate. The second curiously calls these followers “children”; probably this is to be understood to mean children of Adam, but the point is our solidarity with Jesus. By sharing human nature, including the ban of death, Jesus broke the power of the devil over death (Heb 2:4); the author shares the view of Hellenistic Judaism that death was not intended by God and that it had been introduced into the world by the devil. The fear of death (Heb 2:15) is a religious fear based on the false conception that death marks the end of a person’s relations with God (cf. Ps 115:17–18; Is 38:18). Jesus deliberately allied himself with the descendants of Abraham (Heb 2:16) in order to be a merciful and faithful high priest. This is the first appearance of the central theme of Hebrews, Jesus the great high priest expiating the sins of the people (Heb 2:17), as one who experienced the same tests as they (Heb 2:18).3
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is presented in the Temple before the Holy Family returns to Nazareth.
* [2:25] Awaiting the consolation of Israel: Simeon here and later Anna who speak about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem represent the hopes and expectations of faithful and devout Jews who at this time were looking forward to the restoration of God’s rule in Israel. The birth of Jesus brings these hopes to fulfillment.4
Nicky Santos, S.J. is reminded of Martin Luther King Jr’s words in a 1963 speech: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Today’s feast is also called ‘Candlemas’ because this was the day that all the candles used in the Church throughout the year would be blessed. The light from these candles symbolizes Christ, the light of the world and echo Simeon’s words in the gospel reading, of the little Jesus being “a light of revelation to the Gentiles.”
The Presentation of the Lord has two dimensions: purification and presentation. Both these dimensions have relevance for us today. We are called to purify ourselves of our prejudices, hatred, and disordered affections and to present the love and light of Christ to our world. But as we know from experience, at least I do know from mine, this is not easy, and we need God’s grace. As we recall the presentation of the Lord in the Temple today, let us pray that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit to allow the love and light of Christ to shine through us on our world.5
Candles were historically blessed on this day to mark the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and the slow return of light. Secular America created Groundhog Day with the same unconscious hope.8
Don Schwager quotes “Christ who was rich became poor,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"For this reason it seems wonderful that the sacrifice of Mary was not the first offering, that is, 'a lamb a year old,' but the second, since 'she could not afford' (Leviticus 5:7) the first. For as it was written about her, Jesus' parents came 'to offer a sacrifice' for him,'according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."' But this also shows the truth of what was written, that Jesus Christ 'although he was rich, became a poor man' (2 Corinthians 8:9). Therefore, for this reason, he chose both a poor mother, from whom he was born, and a poor homeland, about which it is said, 'But you, O Bethlehem Ephratha, who are little to be among the clans of Judah' (Micah 5:2), and the rest. (excerpt from HOMILIES ON LEVITICUS 8.4.3)6
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 2:22-40 comments that perhaps it was Simeon’s practice of conversing lovingly with God that enabled him to receive clear guidance from the Holy Spirit. All that time spent praying and meditating on the Hebrew Scriptures helped Simeon open his heart to the Spirit. It helped him recognize the Spirit’s voice. It made him open to the Spirit’s guidance, which led him directly to Jesus.
Every time you reflect on God’s promises in Scripture, every time you look for him in prayer, every time you join in the celebration of Mass, you have an opportunity to speak to Jesus with great love. And no matter how lowly you think you are, no matter how much sin has clouded your heart, Jesus will do what he has always done: he will humble himself and come and show himself to you. “Jesus, I love you. Let me follow the Holy Spirit into your presence.”7
Friar Jude Winkler comments on Malachi’s description of God’s messenger and Jesus' role as Son and Brother in the text from Hebrews. Luke, a Stoic Gentile, emphasized the adherence of Mary and Joseph to the Law as well as casting Mary as the perfect disciple. Friar Jude notes that the Word piercing the heart of Mary challenged her to understand Jesus as the Son of God.
Brian McLaren notes that Paul makes clear that nearly everything religious people strive for will eventually be swallowed up in something deeper, and in and of itself, is of no real worth. Even faith and hope don’t have the last word. Only love, he says, is the more excellent way [1 Corinthians 12:31]. . . . In fact, he dares to say, nothing else matters except faith expressing itself in love [Galatians 5:6].
I know you feel that everything you value is slipping through your fingers. But don’t clench your fists. Open your hands. Your open hands, open eyes, and open heart will prepare the way for new gains, not just new thoughts, but new ways of thinking. You have already added dualistic thinking, pragmatic thinking, and critical/deconstructive thinking to your skill set. You will soon learn a new skill: unitive or nondual seeing, in which knowing and unknowing, faith and doubt, clarity and mystery are not opposites, but complements. [2]8
At the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox we reflect on how we reflect the light of Christ in our relationships.
References
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