Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation…
The prophet Malachi writes…and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek. We read in today’s gospel about Simeon being righteous and devout. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him… We can see that Simeon was in tune with the Holy Spirit working in his life. One can imagine that there were many baby boys being presented in the temple. Simeon sees Mary and Joseph bringing two turtle doves, the offering of a poor Jewish couple. Simeon followed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to come into the temple at the right time. He recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. Simeon then prophetically speaks to Mary: But you yourself a sword will pierce, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
How about us? Do we recognize Jesus Christ in our midst? in the poor, homeless, less fortunate, imprisoned, in nursing homes etc. Do we recognize Jesus Christ in the Word proclaimed to us at Mass, in the Holy Eucharist and in His divine mercy received in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
When we enter a dark room, we immediately turn on a light, as we can’t find our way in the dark. Similarly, in our spiritual life, Jesus Christ is the light helping us live holy lives. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (Jn8:12) In Mt5:14, We can turn to Jesus for help to live in the light. Today’s selection from Hebrews reinforces this point. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
May God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike