Jesus is presented at the Temple

Fr Paul reads (from a special location) from the Gospel of Luke (2: 22-35) in which we hear about the presentation of the Lord in the temple.

This Gospel, he says, is dominated by Simeon’s welcome and by his warning to Mary.  Simeon’s message reiterates the Angel’s message to Mary that the child would fulfil the destiny of Israel.

For Fr Paul, this Gospel highlights what a lot of families experience in their own lives. There are all the joys of growing up, mixed with the fear of sorrow and heartache when things don’t go according to plan. As a family, the Holy Family experienced these things as well.

For our reflection we might pray for all our families. It’s been a difficult year. It’s been a year when we have not been able to live our family life as we might like. Hopefully, over these days of Christmas, leading up to New Year, we have been able to get in touch with our family electronically, by phone, or even in person.

Today we ask God to bless our families, to watch over them, to protect them and love them. We ask this blessing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.