Sunday 31 December 2023

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Today is Sunday the 31st of December, the feast of the Holy Family.

Jon Guerra and Praytell sing, ‘Something Bright, Something Shining’.

I've been waiting for a light and a morning

I've been looking for a wonder and a sign

The night is lit by a single candle burning

But the dark returns when the candle's out of light

Oh Simeon, have you ever lost the promise?

After all these years, do you still believe in Christ?

If ever then you hold that little baby

Would you ask him, could he send me something bright?

Something bright, something shining

Something right, here beside me

Son of David, lift my eyes

I need you, God, to find me

Something bright, something shining

The star that led the wise men to the manger

Has been hiding for a while in the dark

If herald angels come and sing the sky bright

What good is it if we never hear the hark?

If the just shall live by faith and never by sight

If the consolation comes after the dawn

Would you give me light that guides me from the inside

Would you give me something to seek me when I'm lost

Something bright, something shining

Something right, here beside me

Son of David, lift my eyes

I need you, God, to find me

Something bright, something shining

Something bright, something shining

I don't know how to find you in the waiting

My prayers are so much softer than my cries

Maybe one day you can come and hold me

Maybe one day you can make me bright

Make me bright, Make me shining

Make me right, here inside me

Son of David, lift my eyes

I need you, God, to finally

Make me bright, make me shining

Make me bright, make me shining

Make me bright

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 2: 22-40

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’

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

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

The story of the Presentation in the Temple continues with the testimony of the prophet Anna. Jesus is God’s answer to her life of faithful prayer. Is Jesus the answer to anything in your life, or is he the source of your deepest questions? What do you want to say to him as you enter into this scene?

The dramas that unfold as God’s Word enters our world come to an end and the holy family returns to humdrum, everyday life in Nazareth. It’s this ordinary human experience that helps Jesus to grow in strength and wisdom. What strength and wisdom has your life taught you? How have you experienced God’s favour in your life?

As you hear the reading again, what part of it draws you specially? Notice what stays with you and allow its grace, clear or hidden, to grow in your heart and mind.

As we draw this Christmas week to a close, and come to the end of the year, what strength and wisdom do you find yourself desiring in your life? What graces has God offered you as you listen to the story of the Word made Flesh? Speak to God in your heart and ask for whatever you need.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.