The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Or Optional Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr
Gospel: Luke 2:22-35
The Holy Family Observing the Law: The Canticle of Simeon

If we carefully examine the Scriptures, we find that in the Book of the Law of Moses, it is written: “If a woman conceives and bears a male child, she shall be unclean for seven days; as at the time of her menstruation, she shall be unclean. On the eighth day, the flesh of the boy’s foreskin shall be circumcised.” Likewise, the same book of the Law states: “When the days of her purification are completed, whether for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest at the entrance of the tent of meeting a one-year-old lamb for a burnt offering. But if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons: one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.” (Cf. Leviticus 12:1-4, 6, 8)

Today, the Holy Family of Nazareth, in accordance with the Law of Moses, offered to God a simple and humble gift (cf. Luke 2:21-24), setting for us an example of humility and conformity to God’s will. Therefore, in our own lives, we must always remain humble and, like Abraham, be ever ready to fulfill God’s holy will.

In the time of Jesus, there were many people like Simeon who lived under Roman rule, suffering in a world of hardship and turmoil. They longed intensely for a political savior to deliver them from their circumstances. Thus, when Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, beheld the salvation God had prepared for Israel, he could not help but praise God. To this day, the universal Church chants this beautiful Canticle of Simeon (cf. Luke 2:28-32) each day in the Liturgy of the Hours. Similarly, in our present world, many people suffer greatly due to sin or the pressures of life, enduring the pains inflicted by this world. By nature, they share our longing for deliverance from present sufferings. Simeon, embracing the incarnate Christ in his arms and praising the God of Israel in the manner he deemed fitting, sets for us a model of praising God in all circumstances.

Today, let us follow the example of Jesus’ parents in faithfully observing God’s law, and imitate the example of Simeon by blessing God in all things. Amen.

©Totus Tuus 2025
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025