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In today's Gospel, Luke stresses that Joseph and Mary, and hence Jesus too, kept the law. Not only were they innocent people: they positively kept both the civil law of the Romans and the religious law of Moses. According to Luke, it was because of obedience to the Roman Emperor's edict that Jesus was born in Bethlehem instead of Nazareth. Today we read Luke's account of the Holy Family's fidelity to the Law of Moses.
This presentation of Jesus is a joyful event, a time of thanksgiving for the birth of a child. But there is also the underlying sense of suffering and sorrow. The offering of the firstborn son to God recalls the Exodus from Egypt. That event was a moment of great joy for the Israelites but a time of great suffering for the Egyptians. As Mary and Joseph consecrate Jesus to the Lord, there is a prophecy of suffering, for both Jesus and Mary. All human joy sooner or later touches upon sorrow.
Lord Jesus, help us to be the light of the world in union with You so that Your light may touch all nations on earth.
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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 children may be respected and loved and never be the victims of exploitation in its various forms.
Elaboration
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