Sunday of our Lord's entry to the Jerusalem temple. 01-02-09

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Reading: From the Gospel according to St. Luke 2: 22-40

Dear and Respected Brethren,

In accordance with the teaching of the Church Fathers, we observe 2nd February every year as a feast associated with our Lord (Maranaya Perunnal). These days very few faithful do attend the Holy Eucharist in the few Churches where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. Unawareness about the seriousness of the incident remembered on the day might be a reason for the poor attendance in the worship. In this circumstance, it is better to realize the significance of the event, its deep meaning and the influence of the event in the lives of the faithful individually. What is meant by the entry to the House of God? It is the day on which our Lord was taken to the Jerusalem temple with the faith and tradition that all the first born belong to Lord God as mentioned in Numbers 3:13, when St. Mary, Mother of our Lord, had completed her period of purification, in accordance with the instructions given in Leviticus 12: 2. The Holy Church and the Church Fathers give importance to the event that took place at the time of submission of infant Jesus at the temple than the very submission. The mankind started the expectation of the Savior as and when the first Parents had to leave the Garden of Eden. The expectation was continued by generations after generations. Those who waited for the Savior maintained strong and staunch faith and awe-feeling. There were thousands of faithful, who had been still waiting in Jerusalem and number of tree shades in the Jerusalem Temple's premises, even at the time of the incarnation of our Lord and after that also. They all had spent their time in prayer and fasting. The Holy Church honors St. Simeon and St. Hanna, who represents the number of faithful who had waited for the Savior in great expectation. This St. Simeon is referred in today's reading.

The Old Testament, from the very first verse till the end, deals with the history of the long expectation of the Israelites for the Savior. The Israelites had maintained a systematic and realistic expectation. In the course of time, many Prophets, Kings and similar leaders had given substantial leadership for generations after generations. Finally the Savior incarnated when the time was complete and by the time many had prayed with tears for the Savior. How easily we could have the Savior in our lives? It is to be suspected that we often forget the truth that it is very easy for us without any sort of mental or physical efforts we could feel the presence of our Lord and we could enjoy Him in our lives by inviting Him to our lives. After all this is very easy and free to one and all that could live in Him and allow Him to live in us by partaking the Holy Eucharist. The modern faithful are familiar with the Lord who offers His own body and blood and exhorts us "come and partake and I will stay in you and you could stay in me."

Though we are not supposed to wait for our Lord, we are obliged to wait for the Holy Spirit, who descends and indwells in all the Sacraments, which are originally instituted by our Lord and Savior. As taught by our Church Fathers, salvation cannot be achieved in a specific period, which is a long and steady process. The sacraments are good enough to nurture the growth to the perfection of salvation and in each sacrament there is a solemn occasion when and where the Holy Spirit would indwell and convert the sacrament as holy and divine. When the Holy Spirit would indwell in each sacrament, all the participants would also get the renewal of the Holy Spirit. The fullness of the Holy Spirit in each and every individual might motivate his or her growth to the perfect salvation. We must examine ourselves how far we are serious in attending the sacraments. Let us try to make use of the opportunities available for us to renew the Holy Spirit in us and to retain the same to the fullness.

St. Simeon had a word from God that he will not die before seeing Lord Christ. He was always guided by the Holy Spirit and when he saw infant Jesus, he took him in his hands and blessed God. He said "Now let thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. A light to lighten the gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel."

Can we confess Him as the light to lighten the mankind or as the means of salvation? May God Almighty enable us to witness Him as the light, way and truth.
May God bless us all.

Jose Kurian Puliyeril