Sixth Day of the Octave of Christmas Gospel: Luke 2:36-40 The Canticle of Anne
In daily life, we often experience setbacks brought by life, just like St. Anne did. When faced with the setbacks brought by the prince of this world and his messengers, as well as the pain caused by life, we often fall into despair. Immersed in such emotions, we frequently choose to distance ourselves from God of our own accord.
The prophetess Anna, after seven years of married life with her husband and becoming a widow upon his death (cf. Lk 2:36-37), did not lose faith in God. Instead, through rigorous penance and constant prayer, she quietly awaited the coming of the Messiah (cf. Lk 2:38). When the Blessed Virgin Mary and her spouse, Saint Joseph, brought Jesus to the Temple to present Him to God in accordance with the Law of Moses, she immediately approached to praise God. She proclaimed to all who were hoping for the redemption of Jerusalem the good news that Jesus Christ—the Messiah—had come into the world. In this way, she set an example for us.
Today, let us imitate the prophetess Anna. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, may we discern the holy will of God, courageously proclaim to the world the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, praise the Lord for all the good He has done for us, and respond worthily to His holy will. Thus, each of us may become a source of blessing for others on their journey toward God.
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.
St. John Gospel: John 20:1a, 2-8 Following the example of St. John the Evangelist, we should closely follow Jesus Christ
Today, the Church celebrates the feast day of St. John the Apostle. Church tradition tells us that St. John was one of Jesus’ favourite disciples. When Jesus was crucified, he remained steadfastly by Jesus’ side until the end, and even under the cross, he remained steadfast. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when he hung on the cross, entrusted the Virgin Mary to John. John, in obedience to Jesus Christ’s will, generously welcomed the Virgin Mary, setting an example for us. In today’s Gospel, John paints us a moving picture. After Jesus Christ was laid to rest in the tomb, on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene brought the joyful news of the Savior’s resurrection to Saint Peter and Saint John. He realistically depicts their love for Christ and their eagerness to see the risen Lord Jesus Christ, thus setting an example for us. During this Octave of the Nativity, let us imitate St. John, filled with trust in the Infant Jesus, and closely follow His footsteps on the path to sanctification.
全属于祢 
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