Let's talk about today's readings 12/29/08

[cheeto1]

1John 2:3-11
Psalm 95
Luke 2:22-35

In the gospel, Jesus’ parents had to sacrifice 2 birds because He was born. Supposing those 2 birds were there at the Nativity of
Jesus, gazing with the other animals at the newborn Son of God,
and now they are brutally murdered for the sake of purification.

The very last words of this gospel “so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare”. It’s been a long time since the death of Jesus. So what are the secret thoughts that have been laid bare? Whose thoughts are they?

Today is also the day of St. Thomas Becket, bishop & martyr, who was once Archbishop of Canterbury, later killed by agents of the king.

So what struck you about today’s readings?:bible1:

 

[Light_Seeker]

So what struck you about today’s readings?:bible1:

Luke 2:33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him

So lets see… angels appeared to both Mary & Joseph. She was a pregnant virgin. Her old cousin Elizabeth was pregnant after an angel talked with her husband Zacharia. Elizabeth greets Mary saying she’s full of grace & the Lord is with her. Angels appeared to shepherds telling them of the birth. Wise men from the east presented the baby gifts. Herod was so worried he ordered the slaughter of the innocents.

But Joseph & Mary were amazed at what Simeon said? Uh, hello…

Luke 2:35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Her son was pierced, but when was Mary? I presume this means at the crucifixion, seeing what they did to her son. And who are the thoughts being revealed to? To Mary, since Simeon is addressing her? Are these thoughts about either for/against Jesus during biblical time, as exegesis alludes, or are they pleas & prayers to Mother Mary throughout Catholic history for her intercession?

Luke 2:24 …offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons

This is an offering of the poorer classes. What happened to the riches they just received from the wise men? Joseph, being a carpenter, held an honorable profession in ancient culture, definitely ‘middle class’ or better by today’s standards. Why was he poor?

Luke tells us 8 days after His birth they went to Jerusalem. Matthew tells us that after His birth an angel told them to flee to Egypt, and they departed that night & remained there.

 

[cheeto1]

Oh you have some really good questions!

I think they were temporarily poor caused by the trip to Bethlehem and he couldn’t work while travelling. I don’t
think the 3 kings came till Jesus was older than 8 days,
remember, they were in a house.

I vote for Jesus being presented at the temple first, then
having the dream and going to Egypt.

I think the reason they were amazed is because they were
given a greater understanding than they had previously.

It has already been decided that there was no sword, that the
sword is the pain of the crucifixion of Jesus. Sometimes I
still come back and wonder about a sword though.

I love all your questions!