Daily Reflections

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Scripture:

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

Reflection:

In today’s Gospel reading, we find Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the temple practicing the ancient customs of their culture: Mary’s purification after childbirth, and Jesus’ presentation: the offering of the first-born son. While there, they met two amazing elderly people named Simeon and Anna. We read in Luke’s Gospel that Simeon was “righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” We are told that Anna “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” Simeon and Anna’s close union with God enabled them to recognize and celebrate Jesus when they saw his parents carry Him into the temple. And they rushed over to greet Him and his parents, full of joy and excitement; and then they burst into prayerful song for everyone to hear.

Luke tells us that Anna was a long-time widow, 84 years old, and that Simeon was awaiting to see the “consolation of Israel” before he died. When I visualize this encounter, I am impressed with the energy and enthusiasm that Simeon and Anna displayed, despite their advanced years. Why were they so excited?

Simeon was privileged to hold Jesus in his arms. In this baby, he found his long-awaited hope, the fulfillment of all his and Anna’s dreams for the world. Simeon’s joy reminded me of the first time I held my grandson. There is nothing that energizes an older person more than the appearance of a grandchild. As elders edge closer to the end of our lives, this new life can bring out the best in us, as our focus is not on our own survival and comforts, but on the future.

In his homily on the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in 2017, Pope Francis reflected on the mindset of Simeon and Anna: “Surely, the song of Simeon and Anna was not the fruit of self-absorption or an analysis and review of their personal situation. It did not ring out because they were caught up in themselves and were worried that something bad might happen to them. Their song was born of hope, the hope that sustained them in their old age. That hope was rewarded when they encountered Jesus. When Mary let Simeon take the Son of the Promise into his arms, the old man began to sing – celebrating a true “liturgy” – he sings his dreams.”

No matter our age or our circumstances, let us make Jesus the source of our hope, our joy, and our dreams.

Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She serves on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan. Patty is currently a member of the Laudato Si’ Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.