Scripture: Luke 2:21-24
When eight days had passed, Jesus’ parents circumcised him and gave him the name Jesus. This was the name given to him by the angel before he was conceived. When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. ( It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
Thought for the Day: WARNING: This devotional might contain Too Much Information. Have you ever participated in a rite of passage? That’s a rhetorical question because each of us has done so at one time or another – baptism, graduation, wedding, driver’s license, confirmation, first apartment/house, first paycheck, etc. A rite of passage is the marking of a transition and usually there is some sort of ritual involved, along with symbols and celebrations. And though some people will scoff at rites of passage and the ceremony around them, I would suggest that such events are essential to a healthy life and healthy society. With that said, today I experience one such rite of passage. As most of you know, I turned 50 this year, and with the half century mark comes a certain procedure called a colonoscopy. It’s not what most people would call a rite of passage, but maybe we should view it in those terms. There are certain rituals that I will be doing today in preparation for tomorrow, and though it’s not something most folks wish to think about, I believe we should make it a bit more celebrative. Today, I am claiming my age and everything that comes with it. I am claiming it and encouraging others to do the same. When it is about our health as individuals and community, we need to make it a part of our cultural celebrations – rite of passage. I might even make a special t-shirt for just such an occasion.
Prayer: For good health, and even for odd procedures that help to keep us healthy, I am thankful to you, O Lord God. Amen.
