A JOURNEY OF PURIFICATION TOWARDS HOLY DEATH - 02/02/23 (Feast of the Presentation of the Lord)

Luke 2:29–32

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020223.cfm

Blessed Feast of the Presentation of the Lord! When the Blessed Virgin Mary presented Jesus in the Temple, Simeon had the blessing of seeing Christ and receiving Him in his arms. He was waiting for the coming of the Messiah, and when he saw our Lord Jesus, he said, *Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation...". Because Simeon already saw Christ, he said that he was ready to rest in peace and be with God. One important aspect in our spiritual life that we should be looking forward to and hoping for is holy death. When some people think of death, it's something that they fear, something they want to avoid, and something that motivates others to just "enjoy" life such as by going to parties, buying extravagant things and many more. But, God is showing to us how it's important to look at death in the perspective of God. When a person experiences a holy death, he or she has the assurance of everlasting happiness and salvation from God. Nothing in this world can compare to the happiness that is awaiting us in heaven. 

This is why we have a long life here. It's for us to be prepared for death, which everyone will experience. But, for us to have the hope of a holy death, we need to undergo a long process of purification. In the gospel reading, it speaks of the purification ritual and the ritual of offering the child Jesus in the Temple. These actions symbolize how we also need to be purified in this world by obeying God and His commandments. From what should we be purified of? We should be purified from all sins and things that act as obstacles in our union with God. The truth is that this is not easy. It is truly difficult when we experience many temptations in life such us temptations of lust, impurities, worldly riches and many more. Still, we should not lose hope. The offering of Jesus in the Temple foreshadowed how He would offer Himself on the cross for our salvation. Jesus Christ bore these sufferings because of His love for us. When we find it difficult to persevere in our spiritual life, let's turn to Christ and beg for His strength. May we also remember to seek the intercession and help from the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. St. Simeon received Jesus from Mary and St. Joseph. In the same way, by asking for help from our Mother Mary and our spiritual father, St. Joseph, they will bring Jesus closer to us and us closer to Him. Because of this, we can overcome temptations and sufferings as God brings peace to our hearts in preparation for our holy death with the hope of seeing our Lord snd loving Him for eternity. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Presentation of the Lord—Feast:

https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2023/02/01/the-culmination-of-a-life-of-faith-2/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth