Lessons from the Presentation and Anna’s Devotion – Dec 30 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Dec 30, 2024, on how spiritual growth leads us from recognizing Christ to embracing Him through love and faith.

Father reflected on the Gospel, previewing the Feast of the Presentation, marking the conclusion of the Christmas cycle. He explained the progression in recognizing Christ through three feasts—Christmas, Epiphany, and the Presentation—symbolizing the revelation to shepherds, magi, and Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:8-20, Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 2:25-38). This progression mirrors stages in spiritual growth: recognizing Christ, worshiping Him, and finally embracing Him.

In discussing the First Reading, Father identified spiritual maturity stages as children (newly baptized), young men (spiritually strong and overcoming evil), and fathers (those capable of spiritual mentoring, 1 John 2:12-14). He reminded us that maturity is spiritual, not physical, citing Wisdom 4:8-9 to highlight that spiritual wisdom often transcends age. Saints like Jacinta, Francisco, and Thérèse exemplify youthful spiritual maturity.

Father also spoke of Anna, from the tribe of Asher, whose devotion and prayer life brought her to meet the Messiah, fulfilling prophecies of return (Luke 2:36-38, 2 Kings 17:5-6). She chose to serve God after widowhood, embodying faithfulness rewarded by seeing Christ. He contrasted love for God with worldly temptations (1 John 2:15-17), identifying sensual lust, material greed, and pride as spiritual obstacles.

Father concluded by encouraging growth in spiritual strength and unity in Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

For Further Reading
Luke 2:8-20 - NAB - Announcement to shepherds - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?8
Matthew 2:1-12 - NAB - Visit of the Magi - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/2
Luke 2:25-38 - NAB - Simeon and Anna - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/2?25
Wisdom 4:8-9 - NAB - True wisdom and age - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/4?8
1 John 2:12-14 - NAB - Stages of spiritual maturity - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/2?12
CCC 1257 - Necessity of Baptism - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#1257
CCC 2544 - Poverty of Heart - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2544.htm
CCC 1723 - Beatitudes and Desire - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a2.htm#1723

Ave Maria!

Mass: 6th Day in Octave of Christmas - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/123024.cfm
1st: 1jo 2:12-17
Resp: psa 96:7-10
Gsp: luk 2:36-40

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1312

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