When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the
child, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived.
In accordance with the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to
present him to the Lord as it is written in Exodus, “Every first born son shall be called holy to the Lord.” They
also offered a sacrifice according to what was said in Leviticus, “A pair of
turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
Simeon was a righteous and devout man living in Jerusalem
and looking for the deliverance of Israel. The Holy Spirit was on him and had
revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s
Messiah. Simeon came in the Spirit to the temple just as Jesus was being
brought in by his parents. Simeon received the baby into his arms, and blessed
God, saying,
“Now you are releasing your servant, Master,
according to your word, in peace;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
a light for revelation to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
Joseph and Mary were marveling at the things which were said,
and Simeon blessed them, saying to Mary, “Behold, this child is set for the
falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken
against. Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of
many hearts may be revealed.”
Also at the temple was Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of
Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with a
husband for seven years, and as a widow for eighty-four years. Anna was at the
temple night and day, worshiping with fastings and petitions. Seeing Jesus, she
gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for
redemption in Jerusalem.
Reflection
Both
Simeon and Anna were elderly people who spent much time at the temple, a habit
that resulted in them seeing Jesus. Only by being in the right place and seeing
the world through eyes of faith could they experience something so
extraordinary.
How much
of your time do you spend in a place where you can see God? Do you have eyes of
faith that permit you to see God’s presence wherever you are?
Prayer: Put me in the right place and open
my eyes, Lord, to see you at work in the world around me.
