+ Our readings today are beautiful indeed. In the first reading St. John writes very specifically to children, fathers, young men, twice, urging and exhorting them not to love the world or the things of the world. This is futility – and the love of God the Father will not be in such a person.
The world and its enticements are passing away. Any who are bent on the world and its ways will be hell-bent of their own choosing. But whoever does the will of the God – living in love, will have God living in them now and remaining in them forever! And who would not want that!
Our New Year's Resolution ought to be to detach ourselves from the world and its ways, even moreso this year, than any other year – for the coming of the Lord may be nearer than we think! This does not mean that we cannot live in the world: we just not ought to be of it!
The gospel passage today continues the scene of yesterday's beautiful passage about two holy people who were focused on God and his promises their whole lives long – a promise among which was to be able to embrace and see the long-awaited Messiah and Lord when at last he came. Simeon, yesterday and Anna today were blessed because they expected God to fulfill his promise of mercy and redemption – sending light and glory to transform the darkened world: a world darkened by sin and selfishness – and THEY SAW HIM!
May we like Simeon and Anna keep our focus on the Lord, who has already come into our baptized souls – and who is to come again to be our judge! If our focus overflows into a life of peaceful loving care for any brother or sister in need – then we will be ready when the little Lord Jesus of Bethlehem, fully grown and in his element, comes to take us home!
A holy day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. Today a great light has come upon earth!
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