He looked forward to the time when the Lord would comfort Israel; and he had been assured, by the Holy Spirit,
that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the Lord.
So, he was led into the temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law.
Simeon took the child in his arms, and blessed God, saying, “Now, O Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace,
for you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation, which you display for all the people to see.
Here is the light you will reveal to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.”
His father and mother wondered at what was said about the child. Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother,
“Know this: your son is a sign; a sign established for the falling and rising of many in Israel, a sign of contradiction;
and a sword will pierce your own soul, so that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. After leaving her father’s home,
she had been seven years with her husband; and since then, she had been continually about the temple, serving God, as a widow,
night and day, in fasting and prayer. She was now eighty-four. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to God,
and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their town, Nazareth in Galilee.
There, the child grew in stature and strength, and was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.
LECTIO DIVINA:
Read: The Lord through prophet Malachi promises a messenger who will prepare the way before him.
He does this by purifying the priests so that they offer pleasing sacrifice to the Lord.
The Letter to the Hebrews describes Jesus as the one who will destroy the devil.
Jesus took on our human nature so that we can experience him as a merciful and faithful high priest to redeem us from our sins.
As Jesus was presented by Mary and Joseph in the temple, as the Mosaic law requires, Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit,
recognizes him as the salvation of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles. The prophetess Anna praises God for the child Jesus,
who would bring the deliverance of Israel.
Reflect: If you were at the temple and heard what Simeon said about the child Jesus, will you believe him? Nowadays,
there are some people who claim to be God’s anointed one or even as the son of God. How can we verify the veracity of their claim?
It has to be tested by their lifestyle. Jesus’ teachings and lifestyle confirm his claim to be the only-begotten son of God.
He took on our human nature and saved us from our sins through his passion, death, and resurrection.
Simeon’s prophecy regarding the child Jesus is credible because the Holy Spirit was with him, assured him, and led him to the temple.
We need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily endeavors and direct the course of our history.
Pray: Lord, let your Holy Spirit be my Teacher, Guide, and Consoler.
Act: Give testimony on the workings of the Holy Spirit in your life.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2020