As the Church celebrates Die Secunda Januarii, the second day of January, it is fitting to reflect upon the readings of Titus 2:11-15 and Luke 2:21, which illuminate key aspects of our faith and devotion. Rooted in the spirit of the Octave of Christmas and the Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord, these passages call us to meditate on the profound mysteries of salvation, grace, and obedience embodied in Christ.
Titus 2:11-15: The Manifestation of Grace and Our Call to Holy Living
“For the grace of God our Savior hath appeared to all men; instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly, and justly, and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:11-13)
St. Paul’s words to Titus echo the joyous proclamation of the Incarnation: God’s grace has appeared to all men in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the very grace that teaches us to reject sin and embrace virtue. St. John Chrysostom, reflecting on this passage, emphasizes that the appearance of grace is not merely an abstract reality but the advent of the Word made Flesh:
“He hath appeared as a Physician to the sick, as a Redeemer to captives, and as Light to those who sit in darkness. This grace is not given for our sloth but for our instruction, that we may walk in newness of life.” (Homily on Titus)
The Fathers consistently stress the transformative power of divine grace. St. Augustine, in his Enchiridion, speaks of grace as the free gift that enables us to live in holiness and hope:
“The grace of God teaches us, not only by the external call through the Gospel but also by the inward illumination of the Spirit, to despise temporal things and seek the eternal.”
In our own time, we are called to reflect on the role of grace in our lives. How often do we, like the saints, rely on grace to sustain us in a world filled with distractions and temptations? Let us heed St. Paul’s exhortation to live “soberly, justly, and godly,” preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord.
Luke 2:21: The Name Above All Names
“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.” (Luke 2:21)
The Circumcision of Our Lord is not only a testament to Christ’s obedience to the Law but also a revelation of His sacred Name—Jesus, meaning “God saves.” This act of humility, where the Lord of all submits to the Mosaic Law, is beautifully expounded upon by the Church Fathers.
St. Ambrose, in his commentary on St. Luke’s Gospel, marvels at the condescension of Christ:
“He who is without sin is circumcised, that He may fulfill the Law and silence the accuser. He takes upon Himself the sign of the covenant, not for His sake but for ours, that we may be grafted into the promise made to Abraham.”
The Holy Name of Jesus, declared by the angel Gabriel, reveals the mission of the Incarnate Word: the salvation of mankind. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a great lover of the Holy Name, describes its sweetness and power:
“The name of Jesus is honey to the mouth, music to the ear, and joy to the heart. It is a light in the darkness, a fortress in the midst of trials, and a healing balm for the soul.”
In contemplating the Circumcision and the Holy Name, we are invited to deepen our reverence for the mystery of the Incarnation. This humble act of obedience signifies Christ’s solidarity with humanity and His unwavering commitment to redeem us.
Die Secunda Januarii: A Call to Reflect and Rejoice
The second day of January, within the sacred Octave of Christmas, offers a unique moment for reflection on the interplay of grace and obedience in our lives. Titus 2:11-15 challenges us to cooperate with God’s grace, striving for holiness in a world that often tempts us to compromise. Luke 2:21, meanwhile, reminds us of the humility and saving mission of Christ, encapsulated in His holy Name.
As we continue to celebrate the Christmas season, let us take to heart the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the enduring lessons of these sacred scriptures. In the words of St. Alphonsus Liguori:
“The Name of Jesus is the foundation of our faith, the strength of our hope, and the expression of our love. Let us invoke it often, that we may persevere in grace and attain eternal glory.”
On this holy day, may we cherish the grace that has appeared to us in Christ and live in the light of His Holy Name, ever striving to walk in His ways.
In Nomine Iesu, Amen.