In today’s Gospel, Luke 2: 22-35, Mary and Joseph present Jesus
in the Temple to be circumcised. Mary herself goes through the ritual of
purification. As she and Joseph enter
the Temple, Simeon and Anna are led by the Spirit into the Temple as well. It has been revealed to Simeon that he will
not see death until he sees the Christ, the Anointed One, the One who is the
deliverance of Jerusalem. Both Anna and Simeon
recognize Jesus as the Savior of the world, the One who will be a Light to
pagans and believers alike
How is sit that Simeon and Anna are given this privilege of
recognizing the Lord? Both are
faith-filled persons. Simeon we are told
is an upright, devout man, one who was looking forward to Israel’s comforting
and who readily followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Anna is also a
devout woman, has never left the Temple day or night. She, too, prepared
herself for this great day. Once we recognized Jesus, she made Him known to
others.
In what ways do I prepare myself to recognize Jesus among us? And
when I do recognize Him, how do I proclaim Him to others? Am I looking forward
to encountering Jesus each day in the encounters I will have, in the requests to help out the needy in my midst?
And like Anna, do I give witness to Him by my attitudes and behaviors?
Help me, Lord, to live
an upright and a devout life as did both Anna and Simeon and be prepared today
to encounter you in the events of the day. Forgive me for the many times I do
not recognize you in the needs that are brought to my attention each day: the need to be recognized, the need
to be received with joy, gratitude and openness.
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