1 Jn 2:3-11 Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Lk 2:22-35

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

There is a beautiful theme throughout the Gospel and first reading today.  The first reading is simply a list of instructions on how to ¨know Jesus¨.  The Gospel contains numerous examples of people following these instructions.   

The first reading encourages us to love those around us so as to better know Jesus.  ¨Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall¨ (1 Jn 2:10). This is difficult.  Sure, it may be easy to follow God’s commandments when everything is peachy and those around us are not annoying us; but when things get tough, how easy is it to actually love the complaining friend, the screaming child, and the angry boss?

This reminds me of the Gospel.  Simeon had waited for years ¨to see the Christ of the Lord.¨ I am sure that all of those years had not passed without at least one or two hiccups.  Had he ever doubted that the Christ would come?  Mary and Joseph were in the middle of trusting God, as well.  She had just given birth, and they would soon embark on a journey to Egypt.  Amidst these moments of confusion and change, had the love of Mary, Joseph, and Simeon been tested?  Had it been hard to find God or love those around them?

The first reading states: ¨Whoever hates his brother is in darkness, he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes¨ (1 Jn 2:11). That’s pretty descriptive. Sometimes there are so many voices trying to distract us: the voice of the world, our own voice, and the voice of others.  It can be difficult to pick God’s voice out of this crowd.  We may feel lost in the Darkness.  However, trust in God led Simeon to see the Christ, Mary and Joseph to follow God’s will, and trust in God will help us love those around us.  God has our back.  He does not leave us to face the darkness alone.

You are beautiful and loved.