On the eight day after His birth, Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph to be circumcised. Circumcision was a painful religious ceremony performed on Jewish boys eight days after they were born. On that day they also received their name, and they became members of God’s Chosen People. St. Luke tells us: “And after eight days were accomplished, that the Child should be circumcised, His name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel, before He was conceived in the womb.” The holy name of Jesus means “Savior,” and it is the sweetest and most powerful name.
Mary was not bound to bring Jesus to the temple, but out of her great love and respect for the Law of Moses, she did.
Jesus shed the first drops of His blood for our salvation in His circumcision. In His great love for us, He came on this earth to save us from our sins and show us the way to Heaven and happiness.
When we are told to do something hard today, let us think of how Jesus and Mary obeyed. Then we will do it well for love of Jesus, and it will bring us a great reward in Heaven.
