Everyday with Jesus

Living out the beauty of life everyday.

22 [a]When the days were completed for their purification[b] according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, 23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 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.

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel,[c] and the holy Spirit was upon him. 26 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. 27 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, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go

in peace, according to your word,

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 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 35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce)[d] so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.-Luke2:22-40

Mary and Joseph's experience when they presented Jesus at the Temple is truly beautiful. Though they knew that Jesus is not just an ordinary child, albeit born in the manger, all the same, it is amazing and astonishing to hear two prophets giving praise and blessing on Jesus. Perhaps Mary and Joseph wondered how these two prophets learned the identity of Jesus. Despite this beautiful encounter, Mary and Joseph lived normally just like any other families - working, cooking, cleaning the house, and so forth. Never did they brag or demand special treatments from anybody, but lived simply and quietly. The Holy Family is inviting us all to live our normal lives anchored to God's love and blessings.

Image courtesy: Andrey Shishkin (Simeon and Jesus)

Ministry continues

Love God and one's neighbor.

14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[a]

20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

22 All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.-Luke4:14-22

Jesus shares the ministry on us all. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us too, and has bestowed us with gifts necessary to do the work He entrusted to us. Yes, we too must proclaim good news to the poor. And the poor is not only found in the streets, but is also found everywhere like in broken families. Jesus sends us to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. And the prisoners are not only found behind bars, but are also seen everywhere like those who were prisoners of addiction, or those trapped in an abusive and/or violent relationships. Jesus sends us to recover and restore the sight of the blind. And the blind is not only those without eyesight, but also found everywhere like those who lost sight of what is good and bad. Jesus sends us to free the oppressed. And the oppressed can be the men and women who toil hard for meager pay. Yes, 2015 is a year of the Lord's favor on us all. The Lord's favor, however, may come in different forms and guises. Are we open to receive God's favor in our life?

Image courtesy: artist