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At the heart of every mature human joy there is a profound sorrow. Similarly, at the heart of every mature human sorrow there is a joy. Sorrow and celebration penetrate each other in a mysterious way, for through them we touch the edges of eternity.
The presentation of the firstborn male child to the Lord was obviously an occasion of great joy and celebration for a Jewish family. Rejoicing, gratitude and expectation all mingled together to make the occasion a veritable feastday. But in the background there were many painful memories of the time in Egypt, the Exodus and the journey through the desert to the Promised Land. Simeon rejoiced because he had seen the consolation of Israel, but in his prophetic wisdom he saw the sorrow at the heart of this consolation: a sign of contradiction and a sword piercing Mary's heart. Anna spent long hours in the Temple praying and her soul must have been filled with joy and consolation at her closeness to the Lord. But she was a widow and we can only imagine the sorrow which the death of her husband, after only seven years of marriage, brought into her life and heart.
Father in heaven, as we touch sadness at the heart of every human joy, teach us to touch divine joy at the heart of every sorrow.
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DAILY OFFERING
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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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That human society may be solicitous in the care of all those stricken with AIDS, especially children and women, and that the Church may make them feel the Lord's love.
Elaboration
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