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Friday, February 2, 2018

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Presentation of the Lord


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

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present-able?

Mary and Joseph "came to offer in sacrifice 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.' " —Luke 2:24

In presenting their children to the Lord, Jewish parents made a small sacrifice in place of sacrificing their children. However, in Jesus' Presentation, a small sacrifice did not replace a great sacrifice; rather, it prefigured Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on Calvary. Therefore, Jesus' Presentation is not a calling to less sacrifice but to sharing in Jesus' perfect sacrifice.

Today, we are called to be like Mary and open our hearts to be pierced with a sword of suffering (Lk 2:35). We are called to be like Anna, "worshiping day and night in fasting and prayer" (Lk 2:37). We should be like the candles blessed at Mass today and decide to be consumed as was Jesus so that His light will shine to all the world.

Today is a day of being crucified with Christ (Gal 2:19) and of finding our joy in suffering (Col 1:24) according to the pattern of His death (Phil 3:10). The Presentation is no longer in the Temple but at the cross. In love, present yourself to the Lord.

Prayer:  Lord, in the school of unconditional love, teach me how to suffer.

Promise:  "Now, Master, You can dismiss Your servant in peace; You have fulfilled Your word." —Lk 2:29

Praise:  We praise You, Jesus, the Light of the World! Praise You for giving us the light of life (Jn 8:12). Alleluia!

Reference:  (Read the Bible daily. For encouragement, order any or all of these audio or video tapes: Ignorance of Scriptures is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1, V-82, How to Pray the Bible on audio AV 82-3 or on video V-82, How to Read the Bible on audio AV 46-3 or on video V-46, Principles of Bible Interpretation, audio AV 79-1, video V-79, Biblical Counseling, audio AV 13A-1, AV 13A-3, AV 13B-3 or on video starting with V-13A.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 10, 2017

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