In the Gospel today the crowds test Jesus and ask for veracity that he is who he says that he is by giving them a sign. This is not unusual. Throughout the Old Testament prophets tested to make sure that it was truly God that was speaking to them. In the New Testament even Mary asks for a sign from the angel to know for certain that her pregnancy and child were ordained from God. In Mary's case she was told that her ancient cousin, Elizabeth, was expecting and in her sixth month, so that Mary could see if it was true for herself, and she did go, and learn the truth that this was indeed for both her and her cousin, a miracle wrought from God.
So today, the crowds press closer to Jesus awaiting that sign, that hope to be fulfilled. He responds, "I am the bread of life." He is here, the Word of God, to nourish us daily with that bread that is him, that takes away our sins and leads us to eternal life. How exciting for them! for us!--that the Lord has come and the wedding banquet is set and ready for us to partake in it. This is the gift of salvation through the Resurrection that we continue to celebrate this Easter season.
Showing posts with label Old Testament. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old Testament. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Luke 2:22-40 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
for today's readings (http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/020216.cfm)
Today's readings speak of the messenger(s) that come before the Lord proclaiming him to the people. Who instructs Simeon to act out as the prophet? Or even Anna to know and announce that here is the Christ child? It is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit animates both of them. Simeon, who is promised that he would behold the virgin with the Christ Child before he dies, utters a prayer, in Latin called the Nunc Dimittis. (This is the prayer used at the end of compline, or the evening prayer for the Liturgy of the Hours.)
Simeon is like Elizabeth and Zachary, the family of the Virgin Mary. He is pious, aged, and looking for the fulfillment of God's promises to the people of Israel. It is through the grace of God that Simeon comes to know and welcome the Lord to the temple and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the Comforter of the people, the king chosen by God to reign over his people. The Holy Spirit is offering hope as well as a light into the divine mystery of God made manifest as our Savior. Through Simeon gives a more complete picture of the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah. Anna too through her charisms of the Holy Spirit us the same idea, that here indeed is the Messiah come to fulfill the prophesies of the Old Testament. She praises God and proclaims the infant to those who longed for the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna and Simeon are witnesses to the Truth, prophets of God proclaiming, exhorting, and comforting the people awaiting the Messiah. They represent the link between the Old Covenant and the celebration of the New Covenant made through Christ.
Today's readings speak of the messenger(s) that come before the Lord proclaiming him to the people. Who instructs Simeon to act out as the prophet? Or even Anna to know and announce that here is the Christ child? It is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit animates both of them. Simeon, who is promised that he would behold the virgin with the Christ Child before he dies, utters a prayer, in Latin called the Nunc Dimittis. (This is the prayer used at the end of compline, or the evening prayer for the Liturgy of the Hours.)
Simeon is like Elizabeth and Zachary, the family of the Virgin Mary. He is pious, aged, and looking for the fulfillment of God's promises to the people of Israel. It is through the grace of God that Simeon comes to know and welcome the Lord to the temple and acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, the Comforter of the people, the king chosen by God to reign over his people. The Holy Spirit is offering hope as well as a light into the divine mystery of God made manifest as our Savior. Through Simeon gives a more complete picture of the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah. Anna too through her charisms of the Holy Spirit us the same idea, that here indeed is the Messiah come to fulfill the prophesies of the Old Testament. She praises God and proclaims the infant to those who longed for the redemption of Jerusalem. Anna and Simeon are witnesses to the Truth, prophets of God proclaiming, exhorting, and comforting the people awaiting the Messiah. They represent the link between the Old Covenant and the celebration of the New Covenant made through Christ.
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