Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Monday, 30 December 2013

Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Monday, 30 December 2013

Meditation: Luke 2: 36 There was also a prophet, Anna[a] the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child[b] to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

The Return to Nazareth

39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Footnotes:

a. Luke 2:36 Gk Hanna

b. Luke 2:38 Gk him

6th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

She … spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38)

Have you ever looked around at Mass and noted the many different age groups present, all worshiping together? Well, the ability of the Church to reach young and old alike originates long before our time. In fact, today’s readings show us that from the very beginning, Jesus has been calling generations together, asking them to minister to each other.

Here is Anna at age eighty-four, well past the average life expectancy for her time but still active and alert. She sees Mary and Joseph enter the Temple courts with their baby, and all of a sudden, three generations intersect. How did she know that Jesus was the Messiah? Her heart was tuned into God’s heart. She “worshiped night and day” in the Temple (Luke 2:37). And so she was able to look Mary and Joseph in the eye and proclaim the purpose for which this little child was born.

Because Anna’s whole life has been dedicated to worship, her spirit was open to the Lord and his revelation. She kept the lines of communication open, and that’s what enabled her to offer words of encouragement and prophecy to Mary and Joseph and to the people around her.

How are you doing in the area of praise and worship? You don’t have to spend your whole life in church, mind you. But you should try to make worship a key part of your daily prayer. As you focus your heart on the Lord and his goodness and redemption, you’ll begin to experience a new joy. You’ll find yourself more open to God’s word and more ready to trust his plan.

Recall all the good that the Lord has done in the world and in your own life. Thank and praise him for his love and faithfulness. Picture him on his throne, surrounded by all the angels and saints. Lift up your heart to the Lord, and you’ll find your whole perspective changing. Like Anna, you’ll become a prophetic presence to the people around you. You’ll find just the right words to say to them, no matter what their age or background. All because you have become a worshipper of the Lord!

“Lord, teach me to proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.” Amen!

First Letter of John 2: 12 I am writing to you, little children,

    because your sins are forgiven on account of his name.

13 I am writing to you, fathers,

    because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young people,

    because you have conquered the evil one.

14 I write to you, children,

    because you know the Father.

I write to you, fathers,

    because you know him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young people,

    because you are strong

    and the word of God abides in you,

        and you have overcome the evil one.

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16 for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 And the world and its desire[a] are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever.

Footnotes:

a. 1 John 2:17 Or the desire for it

Psalms 96: 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,

    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;

    bring an offering, and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor;

    tremble before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, “The Lord is king!

    The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.

    He will judge the peoples with equity.”

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