Jesus is the perfect manifestation of God's love

1 Jn 2:12-17, Lk 2:36-40. The value system of believers is, or at least should be, marked differently from those who only seek earthly pleasures. Today's first reading enjoins us to keep our focus on God and not be enticed by worldly values. Due to the strong force of the lure of the world, it is very easy for us to love the world more than we love God, for the world often offers us easy pleasures and quick satisfaction that can tempt us to desire more of them. The word of Life has come upon us and dwells in our midst. He is the Divine word Incarnate, the word of God made flesh, the Son of God born through His mother Mary as the Son of Man, entering into our world and gracing us with His love, the perfect manifestation of God’s Love, made fully tangible and approachable, that all of us may know the truth of God, His love and ever generous compassion towards us.

The same Jesus Christ that is reported in today's Gospel, that brought to the Temple of Jerusalem, the House of God to be offered to God, as in accordance to the Law of Moses. The old prophetess Anna confirmed again what the old man of God Simeon had already spoken regarding the Child Jesus, before His parents, Mary and Joseph, who heard how this Child indeed would become the Saviour of all and amaze all by His power and deeds. Being in relationship with God allows her to know the uniqueness of the Infant. She turns to God in a prayer of praise and also points out the Child to all who are nearby. When we continue to deepen our relationship with God, then we will be able to “see” things in a new light. Anna, an elder Jewish woman, has been in the Temple day after day for many years and spoke of the child Jesus to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. She is a woman of faith, a woman who has a close relationship with God. When she looks at the Infant, she sees not the outward appearance of a Jewish Baby, but she is able to look beyond His appearance and see the deliverance of Israel through the Cross. Through that act of supreme and most selfless love on the Cross, God redeemed and saved us, assuring us who keep our faith in Him, the assurance of eternal life and true joy.

May the Lord make our hearts dispose to hear the word of God and remain steadfast as we await the coming of Eternal life! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!