A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 2:22-40)
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “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.”
Luke describes the events surrounding the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the encounter of Joseph and Mary with Simeon and Anna. Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple, demonstrating their faithfulness to the Jewish customs and laws. Simeon recognizes immediately that Jesus is the Messiah. He prophesies great suffering for Jesus and Mary because of his mission. In her son’s crucifixion, Mary will participate in his suffering for a purpose Simeon makes clear: “so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Anna also encounters Jesus in the temple and praises God, spreading the news about him to all who are awaiting the redemption of Israel.
God, you know the hearts of your people. Through Jesus Christ your Son, the thoughts of many hearts are revealed. Help reveal in my heart today how you present yourself to me and how I present myself to you. What will I see in you with eyes of faith, and will I see the opportunity to participate in Christ’s suffering? Give me the grace to see in the Presentation the salvation you bring to people of all nations and the particular salvation you bring to me in my own brokenness. At the end of the day, I hope to be like Simeon, who knew the peace of holding the infant Jesus in his arms: “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.”
From the responsorial psalm: “Who is this king of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!”
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.