John 2: 22-35 Fifth day of the Octive of Christmas

Simeon is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "to listen" or "to hear".  Simeon, a righteous and devout man, has heard what the Lord God has told him through the Holy Spirit. He understands what it is the Lord is saying in this Child that Mary and Joseph are bringing to the temple.  We also have a wonderful example of Mary and Joseph following the Laws of God.  It is a reminder that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.  Simeon gives us the knowledge that here is the one who will bring salvation to the people:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.”

We also receive the foreshadowing of the suffering to come in order for God's mercy to be fulfilled through Christ.  May we be eternally grateful that the Lord our God so loves us:
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce)
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Matthew 11:11-15

In today's Gospel Matthew gives us a classic turning upside down of the norm.  Paraphrasing, Jesus says that none born is greater than John the Baptist, in the paradigm shift, he says the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John.  What is Jesus driving at?

What he says is truly humbling all the way around.  Why should we let our pride get the best of us?  John the Baptist was a prophet who wandered the desert eating wild honey and locust before he was jailed and beheaded.  The least in the kingdom would be born in a cave without a home, would serve others with mercy and love for all, would be arrested in hate, scourged, tormented while forced to carry the beam and finally crucified among jeers.  The least was greater than John the Baptist.  He was greatest in obedience and patience through his love and mercy.  We are called to let go our pride as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.  When we do things for others are we truly doing it out of love and mercy, or is it merely our pride dressed up as mercy?  St. Francis de Sales warned against the kind of pride that makes the poor "hate you for the very bread that you give them."  Let us examine our hearts as we prepare for the coming of Christ.