Daily Reading

Daily Reflection

The readings today remind us that all that we see in this world is not necessarily what it is or what we think it to be. John uses the word ‘world’ to refer to things that seem attractive and desirable but offer only fleeting pleasure.

The first reading cautions the younger generation against the veiled deceptions of the world, to which they could fall prey. Their elders, however, because of their experience of God, have come to better understand and recognise the realities of life.

In the Gospel we see how true this is. Except for an old prophetess, Anna, none of the others were able to recognize the Messiah amidst them. Anna saw through the external poverty of Mary and Joseph to the inner glory of the child, Jesus, when He was brought to the Temple!

Do we tend to form opinions and make flawed judgments from the external appearances of people and things? To what extent do the 'externals' blind us to the recognition of the treasure within?