MONDAY Luke 2:21-24
Jesus’ parents were devout Hebrews. They carefully obeyed Moses’ laws with their firstborn
son. Exodus 13:2 read, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male,” so they did. We get a sign of the
parents’ poverty in this story. Leviticus 12:8 said the reason for offering “a pair of doves or two
young pigeons” was “if she cannot afford a lamb.” Evidently they couldn’t.
• Jesus, like other Hebrew boys, was circumcised eight days after birth. It was a sign he was
one of God’s people. That model is one big reason Resurrection baptizes infants. At what age
were you baptized? What does it mean to you that you belong to God?
• God sent Gabriel directly to Mary and Joseph with divine messages. He said their son was
God’s promised Savior. Yet they came to the Temple like ordinary worshippers to offer their
sacrifice. Are there any traditions or tasks at your church that you’re tempted to feel “above”
or “beyond”? How can our individualistic culture blind us to the value of being part of the
history of God at work in the family of faith?
Today’s Reflection By Irene Hollis
My baptism is not something I remember as I was only a few weeks old. I am not only happy to say I belong to God, but I feel special because I do. If my parents did not follow the church “rituals” then baptism would have been my choice as an adult.
Whatever the choices are that I make, I will eventually have to answer for them. I want to do the right thing. There is a lot to be done at church, none of which I feel I am above. If anything, there is so much that is beyond my abilities. I do not feel disciplined to attempt some of the tasks that are available and not my calling. I want this faith journey I am on to be a success. I participate at church so that I can feel connected to others. However, to do a task in order to be noticed is not what is intended. I have to follow my heart.