Homily for the 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas

Whenever a mother gives birth, family members and friends lovingly admire the new baby and want to hold the bundle of new life, and it is difficult for us to take our eyes off them. Babies are captivating and make us think of the future.

When Mary and Joseph entered the temple with their newborn son, Jesus, they met Simeon, a faithful elderly Jewish man, who took the infant in his arms and glorified God. If every baby is captivating, how much more true is this about the infant Jesus?               

Having cradled Jesus in his arms and having gazed upon Him, Simeon was prepared to depart this world, saying, “LORD, now let your servant go in peace.” His heavenly prayer is now part of Compline, the official night prayer of the Church.

Although we cannot hold the infant Jesus in our arms, we still recognize and welcome Him into our hearts, as did Simeon and Anna. We see Him in the breaking of the bread of the Eucharist, we listen to His voice when the Gospels are proclaimed, and, if we are observant, we see Him in our daily interaction with one another. And, in faith, we cast our attention to that day when we will see him face to face.+