My dear mother has kept a diary all her adult life. It does not contain her deepest thoughts, feelings or secrets, but it is an accurate chronicle of the events in her life and that of our family, with all the comings and goings, trips and holidays, and significant events are noted.
Many years ago I was looking through the diary for the year of my birth, and found my birth duly noted. Eight days later there is an entry noting that Richard had his operation – which greatly intrigued me.
Only to discover that like most male children of the period, we did what was required by the law of the Lord, namely circumcision.
I suspect that I was already named by this point, but in the Jewish tradition a child would be named on this day of dedication and immersion within the covenant community of Israel. This child was named Yeshua – Joshua – Jesus, the one who would come to save us. This is our blessing – to live life in absolute abundance, no longer weighed down by the burden of sin.
First Reading ‡ Numbers 6:22-27 They will call down my name on the children of Israel and I will bless them.
Responsorial ‡ Psalm 66:2-3.5.6.8 May God bless us in his mercy.
Second Reading ‡ Galatians 4:4-7 When the appointed time came, God sent his son, born of a woman.
Gospel ‡ Luke 2:16-21 The shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the crib …When the eighth day came they gave him the name of Jesus.
