Feast of Circumcision

OBJECTIVE

Students will be able to identify similarities and differences, and make the connection between the literal and spiritual meaning of circumcision. To understand that Christ came to fulfill and perfect the law, not to destroy it, therefore Jesus became a bridge from the old Covenant to the New Covenant between us and God the Father and gave us a spirit of sonship to Him.

INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 10 Minutes

Let us discuss the "Elephant in the Room" - it is a sensitive topic and one that can be strange and embarrassing to discuss; but we are not going to discuss anatomy or biology, rather we will be focussing on the spiritual meaning of circumcision.

History: In the Old Testament, circumcision was what identified someone as Jewish - or a follower of God. It involved removing skin, the shedding of blood, and was a painful experience. Hence, whoever underwent circumcision was bound to follow God. In other words, it was a promise and a commitment to God Himself. The person/child now belonged to God.

Circumcision is performed on the 8th day after birth. We read of the circumcision of St. John the Baptist in which he receives his official name, "John," and the opening of St. Zacharias' mouth praising God. Our lesson focuses today on the presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple - also on the 8th day in which we also read about Simeon the prophet and Anna the prophetess. Why did our Lord Jesus Christ allow Himself to be Circumcised? Is it necessary to be circumcised to be a Christian?

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? (Romans 2:26)

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 20 Minutes

Our focus today will be to review The Feast of Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ and to compare, contrast, and analyze circumcision to baptism.

Feast of Circumcision (Day 8) and Entry Into the Temple (Day 40):

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. (Luke 2:21)
At 40 days after the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, St. Mary and St. Joseph take Him to the Temple to fulfill the law and commandment of Moses. They offer a pair of turtledoves or pigeons.
While at the temple, the Holy Family is greeted by St. Simeon the prophet, who according to the church tradition, was one of the translators of the Septuagint making him very old. His words: "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; For my eyes have seen Your salvation Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." (Luke 2:29-32). It is said that he hesitated to translate the words in the book of the prophet Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." St. Simeon doubted that a virgin can give birth to a child as she would not be a virgin. By seeing the Theotokos St. Mary, he had seen the promise of God in the words of Isaiah the prophet and he was able to finally rest, for he had seen God's Salvation (our Lord Jesus Christ).

Comparison, Contrast, and Analysis of Circumcision and Baptism

(Can also be found attached at the end of the lesson)

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 10 Minutes

Is circumcision necessary to be a Christian? Why?
What Sacrament still provides the spiritual benefits of circumcision?
Identify a comparison, contrast, and analysis between Circumcision and Baptism.
Explain what St. Paul means when he stated in the Epistle to Romans: "circumcision of heart."

LIFE APPLICATION - 10 Minutes

As baptised Christians, we have been circumcised in heart - if we follow the commands of God and the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we do not adhere to God's commandments and the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are not circumcised in heart. What are some examples of being circumcised in heart?

Obey all of God's commandments and all the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, not just the ones convenient for us.

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Reflect on the words of St. Anthony who said, "Love the Lord with all your heart and then do as you please." The words of our teacher St. Anthony reflect the saying of St. Paul to be "circumcised of heart." Discuss an experience in which the love of God in your heart prevents/counters sin. Think of Joseph the Righteous, who in the absence of the law of the Ten Commandments, refused to sin with Potipher's wife because he loved God and knew that God sees him. How about you?

Create a chart of some of the challenges one faces in school or at home and how the Love of God and how being "Circumcised in the Heart" repels those temptations and sins.

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

There is the popular acronym "WWJD" standing for "What Would Jesus Do?" Students should focus on a new acronym, "WDJD." WDJD stands for What Did Jesus Do. As practice, students can generate their own slogans or acronyms which support the idea of being circumcised in the heart. Example: "Circumcision of Heart is Loving God" (CHLG). "Love God and Do What You Want" (LGDWYW).