"Faithful to the religious observances of their faith, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple forty days after his birth to dedicate Him to God. This was an important custom of the Jewish religion. It was also customary for a wealthy family to bring a lamb and a young pigeon or turtle dove to be sacrificed. Poorer families, however, were permitted to offer two pigeons or two turtle doves for the offering. When the Holy Family arrived at the Temple, they were greeted by a just and pious man named Simeon." Grace Lines [lhlaweb@lhla.ccsend.com] Scripture tells us that, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying:
Many of us meditate on this joyful mystery thinking about how these words brought with them the first of Our Lady's sufferings and yet this scripture is part of the Joyful mysteries of the Holy Rosary. We are being called to reflect on the power of Joy that God gave Mary in this moment. Could it be that Mary's Joy in this moment,when she saw Simeon give witness that her son was indeed the messiah ,outweighed her sorrow. Mary suffered so many trials. She must of been more than a positive thinker to overcome so many sorrows. When we truely Love we are willing to suffer for the one we love. The joy of Lord was her strength. Can we say the same? I pray that when we see difficulties and challenges we would remember to look seek the Joy of the Lord and the good in everything. Dear Lord help us to follow the example of Mary. May the joy of the Lord be our Strength.
