CLOTHE YOURSELVES
A virtue is simply a habit of doing something good. Eventually it becomes almost automatic. This builds self-discipline and helps you pass through circumstances when you have to act quickly without thinking. How do you develop a virtue if you are weak in it? Part of the answer is given by Paul in the second reading. He suggests that we "clothe ourselves" or "put on" these good habits. He seems to be implying that we have to pretend that we have the virtues, even if we don't. After a while the pretense becomes a reality. In other words, when you act out a scenario eventually you come to "wear" the role. Pretend to be good and gradually you become good.
PURIFICATION OF JESUS
Biblical law taught that the first-born male of any animal had to be offered as a sacrifice to God. This applied to human children as well. Naturally most parents were reluctant to do this. Instead they could offer a substitute of a pair of pure white birds. Usually this happened 40 days after the birth. We celebrate this event on February 2.
The Gospel is read today because it shows the Holy Family performing their religious duties. They are blessed by God through two prophets.
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