Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
In today’s Gospel reading from Luke, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to Jerusalem according to Jewish custom to present him to the Lord in the temple. Luke tells us that the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would see Christ before his death. On taking Jesus in his arms, Simeon says, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace.” These same words are contained in the night prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Simeon goes on to say: “Your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” Simeon was, Luke says, “righteous and devout . . . and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Saint John, in the first reading, describes the key to Simeon’s devout life of hope and expectation: “But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.” How do I live each day so that the love of God is perfected in me?
God, as Simeon awaited the consolation of Israel, Emmanuel, so I wait for the understanding and consolation of the Holy Spirit. Help me learn how to keep your word so that your love can be perfected in me. What more in life is there left to desire once I see Christ the Lord? Yet, Simeon took in his arms and saw with his eyes what I can consume daily in the Eucharist: the body of Christ. Mary, Mother of God, as Simeon’s blessing and prophesy must have weighed unbearably on you, pray for me for the strength to endure any hardship as I await the consolation of Christ your Son.
Thank you, Lord, for your continuous presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Your body is true food; your blood, true drink. In your presence, there is no need of lamplight or sunlight because you yourself are the source of all light.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.