Luke 2:22–35
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
(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be
designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to
what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young
pigeons.” 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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that
he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his
arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in
peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you
have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the
Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child's father and
mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 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 so that the
inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul
too.”
Reflection
·
What does Simeon inspire me?
May I recognize in Jesus
the consolation I need as Simeon did?