December 29, 2025, Monday, The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Lectionary: #202, Luke 2: 22-35
Scripture
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Reflection
When Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God, he proclaimed the universal scope of Jesus’ saving work. He came that all may have life and have it to the fullest. Yet, the message must still be proclaimed in every corner of the world, and effectively in every aspect of culture, from the arts to the realm of technology.
Each Christian has a role to play in evangelizing culture, within their circle of friends, workplace, and entertainment. No place or culture, no aspect of human existence is to be ignored in the proclamation of the Good News of salvation in Christ.
Our Lady’s marching orders could not be clearer: “Make this known to all my people.” We have seen the salvation that the Lord has prepared for us. We have heard the message of La Salette, which speaks to us of God’s great mercy. What was first proclaimed to the children as a way to avoid human tragedy still stands as a model for action.
“If they are converted,” she indicates, justice will be restored. But justice, to reach its perfection, begins and ends as the work of God, who first justifies us and then perfects us by his love. A call to the heart for conversion opens up the way for the saving grace of God: “I come to bring you great news.”
La Salette Invocation
Our Lady of La Salette, reconciler of sinners,
pray without ceasing for us who have recourse to you.
