Be holy is the simple message of today's readings.

In today's psalm we sing, "Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord."

From good deeds and other acts of “light” come healing, peace, and glory.

When you hit the “enter” button on a keyboard or keypad, you confirm a transaction or get a path to information you desire. You await the completion of the task, as in today’s gospel reading you are reminded of the waiting for a child whose presentation fulfilled the promise of salvation.

As both the first and second readings say, God acts to bring the light of salvation and consolation to God’s people. Where do I experience salvation in my life? How are my burdens lifted?

Isaiah says the servant people of God will become a “light to the nations.” In what ways do I and other parish leadership help the people of the parish to be sources of goodness and light to the community?

Anointing figures prominently in the readings this week. Isaiah speaks of God’s “chosen one.” In Acts, Peter reminds his audience “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.”

How did the proverbial “wise men” become wise? How have you acquired wisdom in your life?

Mary "kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." During the Octave of Christmas, the church has been contemplating the newborn Jesus, God's gift of self to us and all of creation.

Some families honor their members, and some do not. What kind of family we come from affects how we relate to God, others, and ourselves unless we make deliberate choices against our upbringing.