30 Dec
Thu
6th Day of Octave of Christmas
1 Jn. 2:12-17
Ps. 96:7-10
Lk. 2:36-40
(Ps Wk I)
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Yesterday and today we read the story of the Presentation in the Temple. Yesterday's episode concerned the elderly man, Simeon. Today, we read the story of an elderly widow, a prophetess named Anna. We see in this story one of the traits of St Luke's Gospel: where possible, he equates men and women in their reception of the Good News and in their acceptance of Jesus.

Whenever Israel experienced exile, some of the people abandoned their faith in God and accepted the religion and style of life of their captors, while many remained faithful. This group of unconditionally faithful Israelites was known as "a remnant", the "Poor of Yahweh". They constituted the true Israel and after the exile returned to the Holy Land. They kept alive God's word and promises. In Luke's vision of salvation history, the "remnant" is symbolized and realized in the seven people he names at the beginning of his Gospel: Zechariah, Elizabeth, their son John, Simeon and Anna, Joseph and Mary. Jesus, the Messiah, was born among these seven holy people, these "Poor of Yahweh", He was born to be king but He was born within an atmosphere of great spiritual humility and religious fervour.



Lord Jesus, grant us the grace to belong to "the Poor of Yahweh", to grow in unconditional love for You.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That children may be considered as precious gifts of God and may be given due respect, understanding and love.
Elaboration

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