Daily Reflection for Wednesday, February 02, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020222.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4
Responsorial: Psalm 24: 7, 8, 9, 10
Second Reading: Hebrews 2: 14-18
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40 OR 2:22-32
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the redemption of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him… There was also a prophetess, Anna… And coming forth at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel. Luke 2:25, 36, 38
A few years ago I had the opportunity to attend daily Mass at St. Vincent hospital in Indianapolis. There was a group of elderly people who also attended and participated in the Mass. After Mass, several of them went downstairs to eat breakfast in the cafeteria. My husband and I would join them. I would enjoy breakfast and listen to them share their stories and their responses to the current events. I called this group of people the “Table of Wisdom.” What stood out in their stories is what Simeon and Anna demonstrate in the Gospel of Luke today. Their witness is a witness of waiting patiently and waiting in hope.
Simeon and Anna were aware of what the scriptures told them. In the Old Testament, Malachi says, “and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek…” (Malachi 3: 1b). Yet it didn’t happen after they read the scripture. They waited. They waited even when they didn’t witness any movement towards the redemption of Israel. Simeon and Anna waited in hope. When Jesus came, they recognized him! The life stories proclaimed at the “Table of Wisdom” also proclaimed patience and hope. Like Simeon and Anna, their stories always pointed to the source of their joy, Jesus.
In my darkest days and in my deepest pains, I have learned patience and been given hope by praying and waiting. Sometimes consolation is given to help me wait. Sometimes scripture brings me hope. Sometimes it is the stories of wisdom that bring me through. They all point to the love that God inserts into our stories, Jesus. Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, brings hope and redemption.
Thank you, God, for helping me grow in patience and hope! Perhaps someday, my family will see patience and hope developed, through Jesus, in my stories. When you think of your story, are you growing in patience and hope? How does your faith in Jesus help you?
Blessings for the journey!
Paula Paul