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The Apostle and Evangelist John writes the First Reading at Mass today.  The first line of the letter jumps out at me the most and is what I would like to reflect on today.  He says, “The way we may be sure that we know Jesus 
is to keep his commandments.” 1 Jn 2:3-11  First, you must be able to list the commandments.  If you have them committed to memory, it will help you to keep the presence of God and doing what is right close to your mind and heart. John tells us to know Jesus is to keep his commandments.  Have you been keeping God first in your life and bringing Him into all that you do on electronics, at school, in your home, and in your relationships?  Have you been praying everyday?  How have you treated the people around you?  Have you given God your will and allowed Him to work through you for His greater glory?  What are you reading, watching, and entertaining yourself with?  Is it leading you closer to God or further away?  The great thing about Jesus is that He is always ready to accept you today and any day with open arms.  Pray to God today and ask Mary to intercede for you that in the new year you will grow closer to Christ and become a saint!

In today’s Gospel, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised according to the Mosaic law.  Simeon, who is filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesies that Jesus will be the reason for the “rise and fall of many in Israel”.  He also prophesies to Mary that many swords will pierce her heart.  Mary and Joseph must have been very confused and had to trust in God even more.  Jesus sheds his first blood for us at the presentation in the temple.  Today, also pray and thank God for the shedding of His Son’s blood for us.  May we fight our fallen human nature, the Devil, the near occasion of sin, and attachment to material goods to show Jesus that we love Him too!
Christian YOLO!