Octave of Christmas
30th December 2023 (Saturday) Readings and Reflection
Psalter: Week 4
Reading of the Day
First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life- is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides for ever.
Psalm 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 (R. 11a)
R/. Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Alleluia
V/. Alleluia R/. Alleluia
V/. A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon the earth.
R/. Alleluia
Gospel : Luke 2:36-40
At that time: There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him.
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Highlight: When love declines!
Guidlines: Many may wonder why the love for God is declining rapidly even though knowledge and capacities are increasing. The only reason is that love for the world is increasing at jet speed.{alertSuccess}
1. Many do not realize that love for God and love for the world are not compatible. Love for the world does not mean simply living in the world. It is being tainted by the false values and deviating and destructive spirit of the world. It is being enslaved to the evil one. It is being driven by the sexual and sensual desires and urges. It is being arrogant.
2. Naturally, these are contrary to our love for God and take us away from God. If so, then each person, according to his age and stage of life must fight against such pulls and pressures of the world.
3. That is why John in the first reading addresses each category, like the children, the fathers, and the young. He has specific directives for each. The children ought to know the Father, especially his forgiveness. The fathers too ought to know the Father, especially in his eternity. The young people must be strong, abide in the word of God and overcome evil.
4. Whatever be the directives directed to each section, what is common and binding on all is to love God and resist the love for the world. Know God, Overcome evil and do always the will of God. Anna, the prophetess in the gospel, stands as a model for such perseverance and fidelity to God.
5. After the death of her husband after 7 years of married life, till 84 she has totally dedicated her life to the service of the temple and worship of God. Nothing of the world could attract and deviate her. She was full of love for God and was obedient to him with prayer and fasting night and day.
6. Child Jesus himself is presented as an example of how to live our life. He grew, became strong, and filled with wisdom. The favour of God was upon him. This is how each one must live. We must grow constantly stronger and stronger, in wisdom and being pleasing to God.
Practice: Do you want to win God’s favour? Then, love him, do his will, do what pleases him, abide in his word and overcome evil. Rise above the pressures of the flesh and senses{alertSuccess}