Luke 2:22-40
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Meeting Jesus at the Temple
Today's Gospel invites us to think about the quality of our faithfulness to our beliefs. We are invited to reflect upon the main facts we read in the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
They are a committed family, respecting and living their faith as prescribed by the Bible. The first born, who could be the only child, represents the future protector of His large family. His presentation is a fact of thanksgiving and consecration to God for His gifts, and a promise to keep God's will. They offer a token of gratitude to the God from whom every good and perfect gift comes down from heaven (James 1:17).
Expectation of the Savior is represented by Simeon. This old believer, who would have witnessed in his youth the Roman occupation of Jerusalem and the killing of twelve thousand Jews under Pompey, is expecting the salvation of Israel. "My eyes have seen your salvation" (v. 30).
We also have Anna who lost her husband and remains faithful to the service of the Temple. They are both eager to see the coming of the Messiah. The guidance of the Spirit has perfect timing and is in the appropriate place.
Embracing Christ, as Simeon did, prepares us to quit this world in peace and tranquility. As baptized souls, we are the Temple of God. We are guided by the Holy Spirit as long and as much as we willingly cooperate with His love and respond to His guidance.
Being aware of Jesus' presence within our hearts, we can follow the example of the holy family in adhering to the teaching of the Bible with meekness and humility. We can also learn from the virtues of Simeon and Anna, and proclaim the glory of God through our living testimony.
Let us meet Jesus in His Temple, within our eager and longing hearts to belong to Him.