1 John 2:12-17, Psalm 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS
1 John 2:12-17, Psalm 96:7-10, Luke 2:36-40
1 John 2:12-17

My Beloved, John, the Apostle of love, the disciple who rested against Your breast with the ease of a child reminds us of who we are. Redeemed by Your atoning sacrifice, washed from the sin inherited from our first parents in baptism we are children of the Father. He reminds us that we know the Father because You revealed Him to us. He reminds us that if we know You we know the Father as well for You and the Father are one.

In this world there is much that can ensnare and trap us. The flesh clamors to be satisfied. The world is constantly luring us with baubles that distract and lure us away from You and from the unique mission given to each of us to know You and to make You known.  It does not take any effort on our part to give in to temptation our concupiscence to sin make it easy to sinfully desire what our eyes see and lusts for. Every new trinket that is dangled before us by the world as a must have robs us of time that ought to be spent with You. The world and the things of the world are passing by swiftly and dizzyingly and every created thing in the world along with the flesh will perish in the end what will determine if we have everlasting life is if we have been faithful in seeking Your will and doing it.

Psalm 96:7-10

My Beloved, God created us to know Him, love Him, serve Him and to be happy with Him here on earth and forever in heaven. This our purpose for living. Worship, praise and thanksgiving must be like the very breath that keeps us alive for this is what keeps our soul alive. The more I glorify God, the more I worship Him and acknowledge His goodness, His greatness and His majesty the greater will be my joy and my peace. I am called to celebrate God’s love along with the Church, the community of believers and together we are to bless His Holy Name in the company of the angels and saints. When earth is in tune with heaven as we celebrate Your love Beloved, we are made one in You and one in each other. Love of God and love of neighbor and making known that love and celebrating it is my only mission as long as I live on earth.

Luke 2:36-40

My Beloved, Anna, the widow in today’s Gospel passage reminds us that if we are faithful that God is ever mindful of His promises and will reward as generously as only God, who is our loving Father can. Anna was widowed after seven brief years of marriage; instead of bewailing her lot, complaining to God and to anyone who would listen, and setting her cap for another husband, she turned to the God of all consolation. She made her home in His temple and instead of spending her time on frivolities chose to spend her days in fasting and prayer.  She was now 84 years old and was recognized as a prophetess. Her faithful commitment to serve God wholeheartedly was to be wonderfully rewarded. She was granted the privilege to see You, the Infant King  and praised God telling everyone she spoke to of having beheld the One who would deliver His people.

Mary and Joseph we are told, after faithfully fulfilling all that the law of God required returned home to Nazareth and there lived a simple holy life of domesticity as a family. Under the watchful, paternal gaze of St. Joseph and the loving, tender care of Mother Mary, You my Beloved grew in stature, strength filled with divine wisdom for You were eternal was one with the Father and the Spirit.