Tuesday, December 29, 2009
1 John 2: 3-11; Psalm 96; Luke 2: 22-35
Art work can distort the scriptures. For example, the Annunciation, most of us would say, was made to Mary by Gabriel. Right, in Luke’s gospel, but not in Matthew’s where Joseph receives the annunciation. For some reason Simeon is portrayed as an old man and often thought of as a priest. He might be your age, and is undoubtedly a lay man. He knows whom he is holding and warns Mary of what will come. John’s letter warns us against hating. Today we celebrate Thomas, archbishop of Canterbury and martyr. There are many Catholics who are deeply disturbed by the admission of whole Anglican parishes and dioceses into the Roman communion. Do we welcome communion, John would ask, in the light who is Christ?
Can you pray with Simeon: “Now, Lord, you may dismiss your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation”? Then he looks down on the face of an infant. It is enough for him. When will you be ready to die? What more do you think you must do? Discuss this with the adult Jesus.
You are dawn from on high who breaks upon us, the light of the Gentiles. Bring us into communion with all people, walking in your light, bathed in your light and life.