His life changed the world forever...
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (February 2, 2020): MAL 3:1-4; PS 24:7,8,9,10; HEB 2:14-18; LK 2:22-40
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
The Holy Family always served Almighty God and fulfilled their obligations as faithful Jews. Forty days after the birth of Jesus, they went to the Jerusalem Temple so that He might be ritually presented and so that Mary could be ritually purified.
One of the people there was Simeon who had spent his long life in dedicated service to God. The Holy Spirit had promised him that he would see Christ before he died. And on that momentous day, he did. He took the Holy Child into his arms and praised God, offering this beautiful prayer: “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” (Luke 2:29-32). Simeon realized was that he was not only holding the Messiah of his own Jewish people, but of all people as well.
Jesus is indeed the light of the world. He came to remove the darkness of eternal death for every person of every generation. But this incomprehensible gift would come at the cost of His own life. Simeon also indicated that suffering that would be part of Christ’s life and that of His mother. Our Savior has overcome sin, but pain and hardship remain in our world until He comes again. Yet the peace, joy and hope that He offers us will transform our days on earth and our time in eternity.
Suggested missionary action: We can make a habit of saying this lovely Canticle of Simeon with our night prayers. And we can ask God to help us appreciate the gift of salvation through our Lord and Savior.
