Once again, I am writing to you from the
island of Curaçao in the southern Caribbean. By the time you read this pastor's
corner, I will be only a few hours from home. I had spent most of my second
week doing a little shopping but most of the time was spent in the ocean
swimming and just relaxing. The weather has been perfect for the entire time
and I have seen only 20 minutes of rain in the past two weeks. What more could
I possibly have asked for? It has been wonderful being away in the sunny
climate but as you probably know already, it's always good to come home too. I
will arrive back in Toronto on Sunday evening, February 2nd. I look forward to
seeing you next Sunday.
This Sunday's Gospel is one of my favorite.
We might ask the question: What is the significance of Simeon's meeting with
the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a very devout man much
in tune with the Holy Spirit and believed that the Lord would visit his temple
and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to Simeon that the
Messiah King would bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary
presented the child Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this
child as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes and prayers.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be a revealing
light to the Gentiles. The Holy Spirit always reveals the presence of the Lord
to all those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Simeon blessed Mary
and Joseph and prophesied to Mary about the suffering she would undergo for his
sake. There is always a certain paradox for those who are blessed by the Lord.
The privilege of blessedness that was given to Mary, would quickly become a
sword that would pierce her heart as her Son died upon the cross. Mary received
both a crown of joy and across of sorrow. Mary's joy was not diminished by her
sorrow since it was fueled by her tremendous faith, hope and trust in God and
His promises. Since we have been given the same gift of supernatural joy, we need
to know that this Joy can never be taken away from us by any pain, sorrow or
trial if we have the same faith, hope and trust in the promises of God as Mary
did.
I hope you all have a good week and I will
see you next weekend.
Fr. Phil
