GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 2ND FEBRUARY 2017
FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
1ST READING: Malachi 3:1-4
PSALM: Psalm 24:7-10
2ND READING: Hebrews 2:14-18
GOSPEL: Luke 2:22-40
THEME: THE PROPHETIC TESTIMONIAL
In seeking for an employment at a workplace, admission to an institution or to promote the sale of ones’ product, a testimonial is sometimes required. A testimonial is a written or spoken statement that gives credence to the reliability of a person or product. It basically says, ‘you can count on this person or product’.
Per the law of Moses (cf. Lev. 12:1-8), Mary had to go the temple to be purified after she had given birth to Jesus. The law permitted those who could not afford a lamb to present two turtledoves or two young pigeons for the rite of purification (cf. Lev. 12:8). Alongside her purification, Mary, and her husband Joseph, decided to present the baby to the Lord in fulfilment of another law of Moses (cf. Ex. 13:2). As they went to the temple to carry out these precepts of the Lord, a man by name Simeon approached them, took the baby in his arms and gave a prophetic testimonial.
The testimonial of Simeon was prophetic because it was neither Mary nor Joseph who requested for it; Simeon was inspired by the Holy Spirit to say what he said (Lk. 2:25-27). The prophetess, Anna, corroborated the testimonial of Simeon and spoke of Jesus to all were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem (Lk. 2:38).
Three key words that characterize the person of Jesus as contained in the prophetic testimonial of Simeon are: Salvation, Light and Glory.
In celebrating the presentation of Jesus to Adonai (the LORD) in the temple, we celebrate, in reality, the presentation of Jesus from Adonai to us. God is offering Jesus to everyone who yearns for salvation, light and glory. Would you accept this gift?
If you yearn to be saved from any situation, you can count on Jesus. If you are walking in the shadow of death and you long for light, you can call on Jesus. If your head is bowed in shame and you long for a moment of glory, you can turn to Jesus.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are all I need. I accept you into my life as God’s priceless gift to me. Be glorified in my life and may your light supplant every darkness in me.
Andrews Obeng, SVD
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).