~~~ Feast of the Presentation of the Lord ~~~
~~~ Malachi 3:1-4 ~~~ Psalm 24 ~~~
~~~ Hebrews 2:14-18 ~~~ Luke 2:22-40 ~~~
—and you yourself a sword will pierce—
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Simeon and Anna were present when Mary and Joseph
fulfilled the law by presenting Jesus in the temple.
Imagine being told that a sword would pierce your heart
as you were caressing your son.
Mary and Joseph were filled with joy
at the birth of their son.
Every parent can relate to some degree
what it means to have your heart pierced.
We do not live in a perfect world.
There are so many situations that pierce
the heart of a mother and a father.
We tend to think of this from a negative view point.
Mary must have had her heart pierced
with times of joy, happiness, and surprise.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
Parents take great pleasure
watching their children grow and develop.
Each small accomplishment is cause
for your heart to be pierced with joy.
Just as a seedling pierces through
the hard darkness of the seed coating,
joy can pierce our heart.
Mary had so much joy that she was able to bear
the sorrow of watching her son,
Jesus, suffer and die for us.
It was the depth of her joy
that kept Mary from crumbling at the sight
of the pain Jesus endured.
The favor of God was with Jesus.
The favor of God was with Mary.
The favor of God is with you too.
It is his love that allows your heart to be pierced.
The seed pierces the soil bringing forth new life.
Mary's heart was pierced, just as Jesus
was dying to give us eternal life.
Sometimes it is necessary for our heart to be pierced.
Out of the puncture wound goodness is possible.
Blessings in the piercings of the heart.
~~~Peace~~~
