Requirements needed to Hold the Infant Jesus in ones hand

Gospel Thoughts*

*Christmas Season : C Cycle*

*29th of December*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 2:22-35*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 2:3-11*

*Requirements needed to Hold the Infant Jesus in ones hand*

*1) Jesus in the Arms of Simeon*

The Gospel of the Day presents to us a scene where Simeon gets an opportunity to take Infant Jesus into his arms. 

Taking Jesus into ones arm is a most precious thing, in ones life. 

Taking Jesus into ones hand is not a ordinary thing, but it is the most important thing, which is very difficult to explain 

It was only Simeon who was able to take Jesus into His arms. That means there must be some speciality in it. 

Let's see about it. 

*2) The Speciality of Simeon*

The Gospel gives us the following details about Simeon

*He was a Righteous Man*

*He was a devout man*

*He was eagerly waiting for the Messiah*

*He was filled with the Holy Spirit*

*He had the privilege of having the Revelations from the Holy Spirit*

*He was in the Temple*

All these things played a very important role to take Jesus into His Arms. 

*3) Today we have the privilege of taking Jesus into our arms and also in our Heart*

Simeon had only one chance of taking infant Jesus into his arms. 

For that single chance he had prepared a lot and his life was perfect and he lived a holy life to take Jesus into his arms 

Today we have better privileges to Jesus not only into our arms, but also in our hearts 

There is no doubt that we have better privileges to take Jesus, both in our arms and heart. 

But the question is am I a righteous, devout, and person filled with the Holy Spirit?

*4) My desire and preparation to take Jesus into my arms*

Simeon had a great desire to take Jesus into his arms. That is why, he used all the means to prepare himself, to take Jesus into his arms 

What about my life? 

What is the level of desire I have in my life to take Jesus into my arms and in my heart? 

How righteous and  devout am I to receive Jesus in my arms? 

What is the Role of the Holy Spirit, in inspiring me to prepare my self to take Jesus into my Arms??

*5) Modern Infant Jesus one Should take into His/her arms*

In our times the infant Jesus comes in the following forms. Am I ready to take this Infant Jesus in my arms?

The Infant Jesus in the form of Poor people 

The Infant Jesus in the form suffering people 

The Infant Jesus in the form of most needy people 

The Infant Jesus in the form of persecuted people 

The Infant Jesus in the form of sick people 

The Infant Jesus in the lives  of my enemies

The Infant Jesus in the form of most helpless and miserable people 

 Am I ready to take these infant Jesus into my arms??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*