Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 (or: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3)/Ps 128 (or: Ps 105)/Col 3:12-21 (or: Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19)/Lk 2:22-40 (or: 2:22, 39-40)
In the First Reading from the book of Genesis, we hear that God has promised Abraham that he will be the father of faith. God has promised Abraham that despite his old age, he and his wife Sarah will bear a son and that his generation will be as many as the stars in the sky. Although it seemed impossible for Abraham and Sarah to have a child in their old age, Abraham trusted the will and word of God. Because of that, God rewarded Abraham for his faith by giving Abraham and Sarah a son, who is Isaac.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews in the Second Reading talks about the continuation of Abraham's story, especially when Abraham's faith was tested. God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac. Although Abraham was hurt by the request of God, he still did it anyway to prove to God that he trusts in His word and will. Just as Abraham was about to kill Isaac, God sent His angel to prevent Abraham from murdering Isaac because he has proved his faith in God. God saved Isaac from death.
We hear the narrative of the Presentation of the Lord in the Gospel for the Feast of the Holy Family. Mary and Joseph bring the baby Jesus to the temple in order to be presented in front of the Lord God. As Jews, Mary and Joseph follow the law of Moses that every child should be brought and presented to the temple forty days after the birth of the child. The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph follow and observe the law of Moses. They show obedience to the law of Israel.
At the day of the presentation of the baby Jesus, Simeon prophecies the mission of the baby Jesus. Jesus' mission is to save mankind from sin. Simeon also prophecies that the heart of the Virgin Mary will be pierced by a sword because of what will happen to Jesus. Simeon prophecies that Jesus will die for the salvation of mankind. Although this will happen for the good of mankind, this will cause pain in the heart of the Blessed Virgin. The Blessed Virgin's heart will be deeply wounded and hurt because of what will happen to Jesus.
But, did that cause the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph to lose hope and faith in the Lord? NO. Their faith in the Lord's will was still strong. Although they do not understand why it should happen, they still trust in the Lord. Whatever Jesus' mission is, no matter how dangerous the mission Jesus will undertake, they will not stop or prevent Jesus from doing the Father's will. They will raise Jesus and protect Him from danger in His younger years, but once Jesus is a fully grown man, they will not prevent Him from doing His mission.
Like the Holy Family, let us be obedient and trust in the word and the will of God. God's will brings goodness to everyone. God's will is for everyone's good. Let us pray to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to help us in being obedient and trusting the will of God. Jesus, Mary and Joseph had deep faith in God, obeyed and followed His will.
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