The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, December 29, 2005
The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
St. Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 John 2:3-112
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6
Luke 2:22-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What a treasure we have in the Word of God, in sacred scripture! So many people in the world are struggling to know what to do with their lives, and how to do it. The answers are so clear in scripture. Today's readings are an example of this.

In the first reading, St. John tells us very directly "the way we know Jesus is to keep His commandments." (1 John 2) How could he have said it any more clearly? It's all there! He goes on to say that if a person doesn't do so they are walking in darkness. We just need to walk in the footsteps of Christ!

The gospel reading of today is a beautiful example of what can happen when a person is righteous and devout. Simeon did not have the benefits that we do, the teachings of Christ, but because of his lifestyle and devout manner he was able to recognize the infant Jesus as the Anointed One.

So to summarize, Sacred Scripture gives us wonderful direction for our lives. We just need to read it in a prayerful manner. Secondly, Simeon serves as a wonderful model of what can happen when we do live devout and righteous lives. Like him, we will better be able to see Christ in those around us. What a wonderful world it would be!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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