“Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts; he is the king of glory.”
~ Psalm 24:8~ Psalm 24:8
Today the psalmist is asking us to open our portals wide and let the king of glory enter our hearts. Not just when we hear Mass or say the rosary. But all the time. Sometimes we have the impression that to find God we need to get outside of daily living. Not so. In fact, just the opposite. God is present everywhere… amidst struggles and joys, with family and at the office, when we’re on the phone or catching the bus. Each interaction is a chance to witness God’s presence and share a sign of peace.
Today’s Gospel, recounting the Presentation of the Christ Child in the temple, is an apt lesson in stewardship of the soul. Simeon was a devout man who throughout his long life had worshipped often at the temple. He was known among the people for his righteousness and love of the Lord. That is how he lived his life. According to Luke, the Holy Spirit visited Simeon and told this man of God that he would not see death before his eyes had seen the Christ of the Lord. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple as was the custom, Simeon took the child into his arms and exclaimed, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace… for my eyes have seen your salvation.”
Simeon recognized the Lord because he practiced his faith every day. His heart was open to the Spirit so his eyes could see.
Friend, finding Christ today isn’t hard. It’s just a matter of opening our hearts to God’s Word and being the missioner of goodness and compassion that we were called to be. And that’s something we can do
Prayer for The Presentation of the Lord
Lord, I long to see Your face
to hear Your voice
to feel Your healing touch.
More wonderful still is
the thought that You come
in search of me.
I seek You on Sundays
while You look for me daily.
I find You in church and
You find me in the marketplace.
O Lord, there is no place You are not.
Help me acknowledge Your presence
in the poor no less than in the Tabernacle
in the forest, and at the seaside
no less than in the cathedral or chapel.
May I find You everywhere.
Amen.
Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso
