Luke 2:22–40
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 turtle-doves 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.” 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 for seven years
after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left
the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 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. When they had finished
everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their
own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and
the favour of God was upon him.
Reflection
The
Holy Spirit helps the old man Simeon recognize and praise God and bless the
parents of Jesus. What about me?
The
Holy Spirit dwells in me too: I am his temple! But is he perhaps only a quiet
lodger whom I hardly notice?