When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
"Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: 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." There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
you yourself a sword will pierce
Lord,
This is exactly what I was thinking of as I drove here this morning, the sword that pierces my heart.
You know how much I love her and how my heart aches when I think of her choice to reject you and your Church and all that she once embraced. As I look back, I can see that it was in her head. She knew the faith very well. I know it is still there under all the selfish sin that she doesn't acknowledge. It hurts me so deeply to see her in that state right now. She will be coming home in a few weeks and I am not looking forward to it. This is the first time time that I am not looking forward to seeing her. My heart is not joyful, but filled with sorrow. Lord help me to change this attitude and these feelings.
I have put distance between us, not consciously but I think out of self preservation. Lord, help me fill the gap without intensifying the pain. Help me be joyful and not allow one minute with her to pass without me living in the present and enjoying it. Help me accept every second with her as a gift from you, the gift that it is, because I know it is a gift from you. Please be with her and open her heart to hear you calling her back. I know you are showing yourself to her. This puppy, the exact one she's been looking for, is a specific gift from you. Help her see it, acknowledge it and accept it with thanksgiving to you. Lord, what can I do?
Love her, love her right where she is. If you want to be like me, you have to accept her where she is right now and show my love to her in your words, actions and attitude. You have to be gentle. She loves you and respect you and your faith in me. She needs that role model, the one where you show her my love, your love without judgement. Pure love, unconditional love is what will bring her back, that and your constant prayers. Sacrifices won't do it. Yes they help along with prayer, but to reach her heart, you must love her no matter what and continue to show her that love and be joyful about what you do have even thought she disappoints you...and me...and my mother, our mother who is with her protecting her every day. She will come around but it will take more time. Look how long it took you and those on earth were not praying for you like you are for her.
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