From the Archives

A Light for Revelation

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel."

The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (NAB) Luke 2:32-35

How is it that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction? How is it possible that the thoughts of our hearts may be revealed? What type of contradiction are we revealing that we do not know about? Aren't we after all followers of Jesus, living in love with each other, going around doing good works, living a faithful life. Yet this prophecy of old is for now as well as then. We love our neighbors as we are called to do, yet in an instant we don't hesitate to gossip once we are out of sight of them. We love our neighbor so much that we covet what they have, by trying to out do them in material possesions. We have a strong faith yet we sit in our pews and talk amongst each other instead of reflecting on God's word. We do many things that show a faith but we contradict our faith, just by the way we treat others. If we looked and smelled awful would we hug each other for faith? If it was Jesus that was in that way and realized it was him you would. But anyone else we would turn away, what a contradiction we are.
God Bless