Pierced Hearts
Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas (Dec. 29)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 2:22-35- 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."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“He came in the Spirit into the temple…”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Simeon gives us a wonderful example of Christian meditation (mental prayer). This is the type of prayer that we are practicing together daily. It has always been used by the saints, as it helps us to listen to God. Simeon was a holy man, living a steady life, while waiting for the “consolation of Israel.” Finally one day, the Holy Spirit leads him to the Temple where He encounters the baby Jesus.
The Scriptures don’t say much about how the Spirit led Simeon into the Temple that particular and fortunate day. Maybe it was indeed something very mystical, but perhaps Simeon, like so many Biblical heroes and historical saints, simply tried to listen to God in prayer and afterward make a small resolution to apply that prayer in his life that day. Perhaps Simeon’s prayer that day pointed him to the Temple, and when he followed this inspiration he found the Lord. The inspirations of the Holy Spirit always, always, always lead us toward the Lord. That is why we must be attentive to Him in prayer, and then make a resolution to put into practice that day what we just prayed. Be very attentive and willing in prayer.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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