https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020225.cfm
Faith’s Struggles
Tom Brady, an NFL quarterback, took his time to make an important decision. The big question before he retired was, ‘Will he play another year in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’? Anyone who follows the Bucs knows the impact Brady has on the game.
He has broken many records that will stay for a long time. Tom Brady was consecrated to his work as a quarterback. How many players has he influenced over his career? He is the cause of the rise and fall of many in the NFL.
To consecrate means to set aside for a particular purpose. According to the Law of Moses, Jesus was consecrated to the Lord on His 8th day. A pair of turtle doves were sacrificed and offered to God.
The symbolism of the doves, representing innocence, is a powerful reminder of the purity and integrity that Jesus embodied. His sacrifice on the Cross, offering His innocence to free us from our sins, is a profound act of love. It is this restored innocence that makes us a worthy offering to our Heavenly Father, underscoring the importance of maintaining our own innocence in our spiritual journey.
On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, consider what you can offer to the Lord to keep your innocence intact and your offering pure all day long. Part of my morning prayer is offering any crosses that come my way that day.
They can be big or little, and they can be irritations, ouchies, inconveniences, or things people say and do that hurt. Every day has its ups and downs.
Instead of letting the challenges of the day upset me, I find peace in offering them up to the Lord. This act of surrender turns my struggles into prayers for others, and I trust that the Lord will keep my innocence intact. Even when I forget to offer my struggles, His forgiveness is always there, reminding me of the peace that comes from surrendering to His will.
Gospel Challenge:
Simeon, the prophet in today’s gospel, said that this child would cause the rise and fall of many. It’s better to rise with the Lord from all that weighs us down in this world than to fall and be miserable.
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com
