Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!— Psalm 96:11
Mass reading: 1 John 2:12-17 / Luke 2:36-40
Pope Benedict points out that the Magi needed something tangible to guide them in their search: the beaming star. And the shepherds relied on an appearance of a choir of angels to lead them to the Christ Child. But Anna and Simeon, persons who haunted the Temple in prayer night and day, needed no Hollywood pyrotechnics; they immediately discerned in their hearts the face of the Messiah in this tiny child.
Silent prayer is the entry door to the “interior castle” — to use St. Teresa of Avila’s image — where a deep relationship forms with God, enabling us to recognize His immanent presence. Love makes of our heart a manger for the Lord to nest, a trough in which we are nourished that we may be like unto Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your face in the poor, those who bug me, and those closest to me.