⛪ Saint of the Day : January 1
CIRCUMCISION was a sacrament of the Old Law, and the first legal
observance required by Almighty God of the descendants of Abraham.
It was a sacrament of initiation in the service of God, and a promise
and engagement to believe and act as He had revealed and directed.
The law of circumcision continued in force until the death of Christ,
and Our Saviour being born under the law, it became Him, Who came
to teach mankind obedience to the law of God, to fulfil all justice, and to
submit to it. Therefore He was circumcised that He might redeem them
that were under the law, by freeing them from the servitude of it; and
that those who were in the condition of servants before might be set at
liberty, and receive the adoption of sons in Baptism, which, by Christ's
institution, succeeded to circumcision. On the day that the divine
Infant was circumcised, He received the name of Jesus, which signifies
SAVIOUR, which had been given Him by the angel before He was
conceived. That name, so beautiful, so glorious, the divine Child does
not wish to bear for one moment without fulfilling its meaning; even at
the moment of His circumcision He showed Himself a SAVIOUR by
shedding for us that blood a single drop of which is more than
sufficient for the ransom and salvation of the whole world.
⛪ Reflection — Let us profit by the circumstance of the new year, and of
the wonderful renewal wrought in the world by the great mystery of
this day, to renew in our hearts an increase of fervor and of generosity
in the service of God. May this year be one of fervor and of progress! It
will go by rapidly, like that which has just ended. If God permits us to
see its end, how glad and happy we shall be to have passed it holily!
Source: Lives Of The Saints By Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. Edition
Source: Lives Of The Saints By Alban Butler, Benziger Bros. Edition