Simeon came in the Holy Spirit to the Temple - What spirit leads me to the Temple?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : C Cycle : 4th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22-32*

*FIRST READING Mal 3:1-4*

*SECOND READING Heb 2:14-18*

*Simeon came in the  Holy  Spirit to the Temple - What spirit leads me to the Temple?*

*1) Holy Man with Holy Spirit*

The Gospel of the day, presents to us a holy person Simeon who was full of Holy Spirit

Gospel tells us that Simeon was a righteous and devout man, who was guided by the Holy Spirit

The Same Holy Spirit led him to the Temple and to be in the Temple

*2) The purpose of Coming to the Temple*

Guided by the Holy Spirit he came to the Temple

The purpose of coming to the Temple is very clear, that is to meet Jesus and the Messiah, whom he was waiting for long time 

Simeon not only met the Messiah but also had a privilege of Holding the Messiah in his hand 

That was the wonderful opportunity for Simeon. 

*3) What Spirit leads me to the Temple?*

We very often go to the temple. 

Different people have different intentions, which lead them to the Temple 

Following may be some of them 

To some the Spirit of charity leads to the temple

To others the Spirit of prayer,  closeness to God, and desire for divine experience leads them to the temple

Others are led by the spirit of forgiveness, spirit of love, spirit of sacrifice to the temple 

*4) Dangerous spirit which may lead one to the Temple*

There are also occasions where the dangerous spirit may lead one to the temple. These are called opportunists who use temple area for their personal gain 

The spirit of name and fame

The spirit of power and authority

The spirit of money and wealth 

The Spirit  of business and personal gain 

The Spirit of arrogance and pride 

The spirit of self-righteousness etc 

All these above mentioned dangerous spirits may lead one to the temple for personal gain 

*5) How about my life?*

What spirit leads me to the Temple? 

Is it a genuine spirit of prayer and love of God? 

Is it a love of the neighbour? 

Is it a love of the needy and marginalised? 

Is it a spirit of showoff?

Is it a spirit of recognition? 

Is it a spirit of selfish interests? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*