First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 Reading of the first letter of Saint John – Dear friends, 3To know that we know Jesus, let us see if we keep his commandments. 4Whoever says, “I know God,” but does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But in him who keeps his word, the love of God is fully realized. The criterion for knowing whether we are with Jesus is this: 6whoever says he abides in him must also act as he did. 7Dear friends, I am not giving you a new commandment, but an old commandment, which you received from the beginning; This ancient commandment is the word that you have heard. 8However, what I write to you is a new commandment – which is true in him and in you – as the darkness passes and the true light shines. 9Whoever says he is in the light, but hates his brother, is still in darkness. 10Whoever loves his brother remains in the light and is not in danger of stumbling. 11But whoever hates his brother is in darkness, he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going, because darkness has dimmed his eyes. - Word of the Lord. Responsorial Psalm: 95(96) Heaven rejoice and earth exult! 1. Sing to the Lord God a new song, † sing to the Lord God, O whole earth! / Sing and bless his holy name! – R. 2. Day after day announce his salvation, † manifest his glory among the nations / and, among the peoples of the universe, his wonders! – R. 3. It was the Lord and our God who made the heavens: † before him go the glory and the majesty, / and his temple, what beauty and splendor! – R. Gospel: Luke 2,22-35 Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. You are the light that will shine for the Gentiles / and for the glory of Israel, your people (Luke 2:32). – R. Proclamation of the holy Gospel according to Luke – 22When the days for the purification of the mother and child, according to the Law of Moses, were completed, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem in order to present him to the Lord. 23As it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male must be consecrated to the Lord.” 24They also went to offer the sacrifice – a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons –, as is commanded in the Law of the Lord. 25In Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon, who was righteous and pious and hoped for the consolation of the people of Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him 26 and had announced to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah who comes from the Lord. 27Moved by the Spirit, Simeon came to the temple. When the parents brought the baby Jesus to fulfill what the Law commanded, 28Simeon took the boy in his arms and blessed God: 29“Now, Lord, according to your promise, you can let your servant go in peace; 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared before all peoples: 32a light to enlighten the nations and glory to your people Israel.” 33Jesus' father and mother were amazed at what they said about him. 34Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, the mother of Jesus: “This child will be the cause of both the fall and the rise of many in Israel. It will be a sign of contradiction. 35In this way the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. As for you, a sword will pierce your soul.” – Word of salvation. Reflection: Moved by the Holy Spirit, old Simeon, a just and pious man, picks up the Baby Jesus. It is the Old Testament that is lengthened to join the New. Simeon, who expected the consolation of Israel, rejoices with joy, because he has just seen the Savior and blesses God. He recognizes that a new time begins; so he can die peacefully. As a man experienced in the things of God and filled with the Holy Spirit, Simeon speaks of the dramatic destiny of the Messiah and Mary. Promised to be a light to the nations, Jesus will also be a cause of division. He will bring about the salvation of the world, through the mystery of suffering and death. Mary will participate in this test of love, through suffering.