https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020224.cfm
Faith’s Struggles
Tom Brady, an NFL quarterback, took his time to make an important decision. Will he play another year in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or retire? 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 is 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.
Notice the doves symbolize innocence, pointing to Jesus. Jesus offered His innocence on the Cross to free us from our sins. He restored our innocence to make us a worthy offering to our Heavenly Father.
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 getting upset and ruining my day when I offer them up, the Lord takes the sting out of them. They become a prayer I offer for someone or something. And please, God, He keeps my innocence intact. I thank Him that when I forget to offer the Cross, he forgives me with a simple, I am sorry, Lord, help me to do better.
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
