EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Presentation in the Temple & The Return to Nazareth
LK 2:22-40 or 2:22-32
(Long form shown here)
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.
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
Blessed Ladislao Batthyány-Strattmann (Feast Day January 22)
October 28, 1870-January 22, 1931
Ladislaus was the sixth of ten brothers, born into an ancient noble family in Hungary. He knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a doctor so he could serve the poor. Ladislaus and his wife, Countess Maria Teresa Coreth, had 13 children together. They attended Mass together every day and prayed the rosary every night as a family. In 1902 Ladislaus opened a hospital and worked there during World War I, taking care of injured soldiers.
When his uncle died in 1915, Ladislaus inherited a castle in Hungary. Five years later, he moved his entire family into the castle and made one wing of their home into a hospital that specialized in ophthalmology. Ladislaus became well-known all over Hungary and across Europe as a "doctor of the poor." When people came to him for medical treatment, he never charged them any money. Instead, he would tell his patients that their "fee" was to pray an Our Father for him. As a doctor, Ladislaus was able to live his personal vocation in a powerful way.
Ladislaus prayed before every surgery he performed, asking God to bless the operation, and believed that he was merely an instrument in the hands of God. Dr. Ladislaus died in 1931 after suffering with bladder cancer for over a year. Even in moments of great pain, he said, "I am happy. I am suffering atrociously, but I love my sufferings and am consoled in knowing that I support them for Christ."
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
Why did Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple? What does it mean to dedicate a baby to God?
What can we learn from Simeon and Anna about waiting and trusting in God?
How can we show our thankfulness to God like Simeon and Anna did?
Blessed Ladislao Batthyány-Strattmann turned half of his home into a hospital. How can your home be a place of welcome and healing for others?
FAMILY FUN
Puzzle Activity
Blessed Ladislao Batthyány-Strattman had many siblings. His family prayed together and probably played as well. Take some time today to have fun with this activity!
Pick one of your favorite puzzles and do it together as a family. Make it festive by playing music in the background and serving your family's favorite snacks!
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Hungarian Cucumber Salad
Blessed Ladislao Batthyány-Strattmann and his family may have shared a similar dish. Share this with your family today.
2 English cucumbers (peel if preferred)
1 -- 2 Tbsp salt
(optional) 1 onion, sliced thinly
1 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced
(optional) 2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp vinegar
2/3 cup sour cream
ground black pepper (to taste)
a sprinkle of paprika
Prepare the cucumber and slice thinly. Place the cucumbers and onion in a bowl or colander. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes. You can refrigerate it. Rinse the salt and drain the excess liquid from the cucumbers by squeezing out the water. Add the sour cream, sugar, vinegar, garlic, pepper, and paprika and mix well together. Refrigerate salad for a few hours, even overnight, before serving.
FAMILY PRAYER
Eucharistic Revival Prayer
Ponder the profound mystery of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist as you say this prayer for the National Eucharistic Revival. (Check out the Fun Fact for more details.)
Lord Jesus Christ, you give us your flesh and blood for the life of the world, and you desire that all people come to the Supper of the Sacrifice of the Lamb. Renew in your Church the truth, beauty, and goodness contained in the Most Blessed Eucharist.
Jesus living in the Eucharist, come and live in me.
Jesus healing in the Eucharist, come and heal me.
Jesus sacrificing yourself in the Eucharist, come and suffer in me.
Jesus rising in the Eucharist, come and rise to new life in me.
Jesus loving in the Eucharist, come and love in me.
Lord Jesus Christ, through the paschal mystery of your death and resurrection made present in every Holy Mass, pour out your healing love on your Church and on our world. Grant that as we lift you up during this time of Eucharistic Revival, your Holy Spirit may draw all people to join us at this Banquet of Life. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Eucharist, Pray for us.
LITURGY LINK
During the Presentation of the Gifts, the bread and wine are brought to the altar. This is also called the Offertory. Watch for this moment at Mass today.
FAMILY CHALLENGE
As a family, feed those in need this week by donating items to a local food pantry.
FUN FACTS
The United States is in Year 3 of a National Eucharistic Revival. In Year 2, nearly 60,000 people attended the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. This year's focus is about Going Out onMission. Find out how your family can be part of this movement:
