Sixth Day In the Octave of Christmas December 30, 2023

Fr. Rick’s 2-Minute Homily for the Sixth Day In the Octave of Christmas
December 30, 2023, Luke 2:36-40
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123023.cfm

An Emptiness That Is Full

The widow in today’s gospel makes me ponder how often I go out of my way to visit Jesus in the Chapel. She was 84 years old and a widow after only seven years of marriage. Girls were married at the early age of 14 or 15.

What makes this so interesting is that the word “widow” is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “empty.”What was empty was her heart for over 60 years.

She turned to the Lord, who filled her emptiness like no man could. She never left the Temple, the domain of God’s presence, worshipping night and day, fasting and praying. The Lord filled her emptiness on the day she held the Christ child in her arms.

Anna is a witness to countless celibates, priests, religious, single people, and widows who have found that emptiness in their hearts filled most amazingly. Making quiet time with the Lord in a busy life allows a disciple to perceive everything in life from God’s viewpoint.

Gospel Challenge:
Whether we choose to fast from the pleasures of life or life takes them from us, remember Anna. Go to that Temple, the domain of God’s presence in us, the emptiest part of our heart. And we, too, will grow strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God will be upon us.

Let us allow Anna’s love to be with the Lord to become contagious.

Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…

Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor

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