It was a normal day in the Temple. A first-born Baby was brought into the Temple to be presented to the Lord for consecration (Lk 2:22-23), as had been occurring for centuries. Then the normal day abruptly changed. God showed up in a new way. "Suddenly there will come to the Temple the Lord" (Mal 3:1). Who can endure His coming? (Mal 3:2) Who will be ready to greet the Lord? Will God come into our lives and once again have to ask, "Why was no one there when I came?" (Is 50:2)
Amazingly, the prophets Simeon and Anna were ready for the coming of Jesus into the Temple (see Lk 2:25, 36). They had experienced many "normal" days. They could have relaxed and wavered in readiness. Yet, they persevered in hope and were "ready to greet Him when He" came. Daily, they sought the Lord in prayer and fasting (see Lk 2:37). When the moment came, they were ready with words of prophecy and exhortation.
Present yourself daily to the Lord as an act of consecration and presentation. Will you let the Lord refine you, give you the gifts of the Spirit, and remove the dross from your life? Will you be ready each day, or will you relax and miss out on His visitation?
| PRAYER: | Father, I am all Yours. Do in me whatever You must in order to do through me whatever You will. |
| PROMISE: | "Since He was Himself tested through what He suffered, He is able to help those who are tempted." –Heb 2:18 |
| PRAISE: | The Presentation of the Lord fulfills multiple Old Testament prophecies. "I will make You a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth" (Is 49:6). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College