For more information about 1:1 spiritual direction with Heather, click here.

This homily is based on the following text from Luke chapter 2 (The Inclusive Bible translation):

22 When the day came for them to be purified, as laid down by the Law of Moses, the couple took Jesus up to Jerusalem and presented him to God. 23 For it’s written in the Law of our God, “Every firstborn heir is to be consecrated to God.” 24 They likewise came to offer in sacrifice “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accord with the dictate of the Law of our God. 25 Now there lived in Jerusalem a man named Simeon. He was devout and just, anticipating the consolation of Israel, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. 26 She had revealed to Simeon that he wouldn’t see death until he had seen the Messiah of God. 27 Prompted by her, Simeon came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child to perform the customary rituals of the Law, 28 he took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Now, O God, you can dismiss your servant in peace,

just as you promised; 30 because my eyes have seen the salvation 31 which you have prepared for all the peoples to see— 32 a light of revelation to the Gentiles

and the glory of your people Israel.” 33 As the child’s mother and father stood there marveling at the things that were being said, 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, the mother, “This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that is rejected, 35 so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare. And a sword will pierce your heart as well.” 36 There was a woman named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was also a prophet. She had lived a long life, seven years with her husband, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple, worshiping day and night, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up at that moment, she gave thanks to God and talked about the child to all who anticipated the deliverance of Jerusalem. 39 When the couple had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the Law of God, they returned to Galilee and their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew in size and strength. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was with him.

Priests for Equality. The Inclusive Bible (pp. 2223-2224). Sheed & Ward. Kindle Edition.