“And suddenly there will come to the temple / the LORD whom you seek.”
The arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem for his first visit to the temple is at the center of today’s joyful Feast of the Presentation. Mary and Joseph are prominent figures today as well, since they serve as the Light-bearers, carrying Jesus to the temple. It is through Mary that Jesus came into the world, where he became “like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people.” Indeed, his Presentation in the temple foreshadows the “presentation” he will make to the Father on the Cross to redeem us from our sins.
Today’s Gospel tells us what happened when Jesus was forty days old. Mary and Joseph bring him to Jerusalem in order to fulfill the Jewish law. The purpose is twofold: for the ritual purification of Mary (this day used to be called the “Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary”) and for the consecration of her first-born son to God. At that time, a woman’s purification following childbirth was necessary before she could return to worship in the temple. It required the sacrifice of a lamb, or, if the family was poor, two turtledoves or young pigeons. In fact, Mary has no trace of impurity, and Jesus, the eternal Son of God, has no need to be consecrated, but as obedient Jews they humbly submit to the dictates of the law.
The aged Simeon, who knew in his heart that he would see the Messiah before his death, comes to the temple, inspired by the Holy Spirit. How long had he been waiting in hope for the Lord to fulfill his promise? We do not know. But we know that Simeon was “righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel.” He waited as long as was required. As an “Advent” figure, he teaches us how to wait in faith. Now, suddenly, as Malachi had prophesied, the Lord whom Simeon was seeking comes to the temple. But the Lord does not look “like the refiner’s fire” – he is still an infant! Simeon takes the baby Jesus in his arms and offers this profound and grateful prayer to the Father: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go / in peace, according to your word, / for my eyes have seen your salvation, / which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: / a light for revelation to the Gentiles, / and glory for your people Israel.” With this public prayer, Jesus is acknowledged in the temple for the first time as the promised Messiah, the Savior, not only of the people of Israel but also of the Gentiles.
Simeon is aware, we learn from his next words, that this Messiah’s work will involve sacrifice. Jesus comes to the temple not only as an infant to be consecrated, but as Priest and Victim. In offering himself in sacrifice, he is the fulfillment of what we read in the Letter to the Hebrews, that “through his death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.”
Part of the joy of today’s Feast comes from our awareness that darkness is scattered, that we need not fear anything, even death. The same Holy Spirit who inspired Simeon gives us the grace to persevere in faith. He strengthens us against the temptations of fear, anxiety, and discouragement when we suffer illness or face death (cf. CCC 1520).
Simeon is also enlightened by the Spirit regarding Mary’s role in the mission of her Son. In the plan of God, she is the predestined woman who will participate in the redemption by her share in the Cross. Simeon speaks to Mary about this mystery: “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted – and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Here Simeon prophesies the anguish Mary will suffer as she stands at the foot of the Cross. Yet, her faith will not waver; her trust in God’s word is absolute.
We are called to imitate Mary, and to be Light-bearers with her. Strengthened by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, we place our trust in Jesus, the Messiah. “The Mother of God, the most pure Virgin, carried the true light in her arms and brought him to those who lay in darkness. We too should carry a light for all to see and reflect the radiance of the true light as we hasten to meet him” (St. Sophronius; cf. Liturgy of the Hours, Office of Readings, February 2, Presentation of the Lord).
How am I called to be like Simeon, vigilant in prayer, waiting in hope for the salvation promised by God? How can I imitate Mary in being a faithful Light-bearer, carrying Christ to others with humility and love? When I face suffering or the “sword” that pierces my heart, do I respond with trust in God’s plan as Mary did?
Excerpt from The Anawim Way, Volume 22, no. 2. More information about The Anawim Way may be found here.