Hi, it's Me God: Seeking to be One With You.
The Present
What could be our ultimate gift or present that we could give to Jesus as we celebrate His day of birth? In the Fourth Joyful Mystery, Jesus is presented or consecrated to God as is described by Jewish Law. Could the perfect gift be the gift of YOU?
The Fourth Joyful Mystery:
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Luke chapter 2: versus 22-36 “When the day came to purify them according to the Law of Moses, the couple brought him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord, for it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every first born male shall be consecrated to the Lord.” They came to offer in sacrifice a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accord with the dictate in the law of the Lord. There lived in Jerusalem at the time a certain man named Simeon. He was just and pious, and awaited the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death until he had seen the Anointed of the Lord. He came to the temple now, inspired by the Spirit; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him the customary ritual of the law, he took Him in his arms and blessed God in these words: “Now, Master, You can dismiss your servant in peace. You have fulfilled your Word. For my eyes have witnessed Your saving deed displayed for all the people to see, a revealing light to the Gentiles, the glory of Your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were marveling at what was being said about Him. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother. “This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed—and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword*—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.” (*Mary was to suffer much so that she would know the needs of her children, that is: all the children of God. It is her greatest desire to love us and lead us to Jesus her Son.) *Our Father
“Again, Father, we are given the example of obedience to the law, may we be given that gift of obedience as we choose to follow You, for obedience is the what which You desire most from us.” *Hail Mary
“Father we need You on a daily basis to help us to be strong when we are weak so that our commitment to You be steadfast and true. May Jesus be the Present, ever present in our life.” *Hail Mary
“Forgive us Lord, for not taking seriously the sacredness of God’s Law in our lives, or being resentful of being asked to follow Your laws. May we never come to Mass because we HAVE to! May we instead LONG to be in Your Presence!” *Hail Mary
For a sacrifice to be a sacrifice, it should be something that is given even if it requires effort or doing more than required. You have asked us to Love, to forgive, to accept and to feed your sheep the compassion that all desire. May we be eager to present this sacrifice to You. *Hail Mary
You have also asked for the sacrifice of Praise. May we choose to give thanks and praise, instead of grumbling or griping when things are hard or inconvenient. *Hail Mary
Like Simeon, may we be diligent in seeking God’s fulfillment of His Promises. We pray for the gift of patience and humility. Also the gift of trusting in God’s perfect timing and plan for our life. *Hail Mary
Like Simeon, may we be faithful in our waiting, no matter the length of days that pass. *Hail Mary
“Father may we see again, just how important is the Holy Spirit’s anointing in our lives. Without His Presence, there is no Light to guide us and give us Your Power to serve.” *Hail Mary
We pray for the Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, mold us, fill us, use us, and speak to our hearts and show us what to say. *Hail Mary
“Lord, open our hearts to the swords that come into our lives, may we see in life’s sorrows the gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Mercy, Compassion and the ability to Love as Jesus loved. Thank You God for the gift of ALL of our life and for the Gift of Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” *Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
I truly hope dear Children of God that you know deep inside, just what a valuable priceless Gift that YOU are. That Knowledge is where the True Peace of Jesus Christ our Lord comes from. May this be with you always.
Recommended Stories
About the Author
Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from our church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)
But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.
My husband Robert and I have been married for 50 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.
God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!
Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com
