Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Psalm 24:7-10, Luke 2:22-40

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD IN THE TEMPLE

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, Psalm 24:7-10, Luke 2:22-40

Malachi 3:1-4

My Beloved, it is no wonder that You taught us to call God Abba, Father. Long before Your coming into the world He foretold through the prophets His wonderful plan for His poor, sinful creatures. Instead of annihilating us as we deserved He was going to send His only Son as a little helpless Baby. He desired that You would be the Victim for our sins. You would walk though the blazing fires of hell and agony taking our place. He would crush You in the wine press of suffering so that Your Blood would purify Your priests and refine them through the furnace of Your suffering.  The only Victim He would find acceptable.Yours the only Sacrifice whose pleasing fragrance would rise up to the highest heavens until earth was no more, would delight Him as it revealed His infinite love for us.

God foretold it all from the coming of the Messenger John the Baptist who would be Your herald preparing the way for You, Your entrance into the Sanctuary to the House of Your Father and there through the horrific and cruel death God was going to make an everlasting Covenant with us sealed in the Blood of His Son, our Redeemer and Savior.

Thank You Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 2:14-18

What love is this my Beloved that despite our unworthiness God our Father asked of You so great a Sacrifice. Taking our place, taking upon Yourself our punishment because You loved Him and was willing to reveal to us this great love for us. 

What manner of love is this that You who are God, one with Father and the Holy Spirit took upon Yourself our human nature, frail, weak, poor, subject to all the limitations that we are subject to yet fully divine and fully human. You were cold, hungry, thirsty, tired, You were rejected, mocked and ultimately killed in a death reserved for murderers and scoundrels. No one can dare say that You do not know what it means to suffer for You drank the bitter cup of suffering held to Your lips to its very dregs.

You came to take me by the hand because You are my Brother, human like me in every respect save sin so I could become a daughter of God. In union with You our Eternal High Priest Sacrifice is now offered day and night so God will continue to show us mercy and forgive us our sins.

Thank You Beloved.

Psalm 24:7-10

The doors that were shut with the sin of Adam and Eve are now opened through the gateway of the Cross. Seated in glory and majesty, You now make intercession for us who You have redeemed and saved.  You took on the powers of darkness and shattered evil rendering it ineffectual. You have vanquished the Enemy and to You the Father has given dominion, authority and power over all.  

ALLELUIA!