GOSPEL POWER - DECEMBER 29, 2020 - TUESDAY

Gospel: Lk 2:22-35 

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought the child up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed  so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

REFLECTION

Today’s Gospel episode marks the transition of the eras. It stands as a bridge between the two testaments of the Christian Scriptures. The old era with its promises and hopes serenely gives way to the new era of faithful fulfillment. The silent actor is God who, in the person of the child presented at the temple, has made human history “his story.” Simeon is a representative-figure, standing in for all the holy people of the old era who have lived their lives longing and hoping for the realization of the divine promise of deliverance. In the person of Simeon, those eyes and ears that will never experience the blessedness of seeing and hearing what the disciples of Jesus will later see and hear, receive nonetheless the consolation of a momentary glimpse of the dawning salvation. God does not disappoint those who hope in him. “In Jesus, all the promises of God find their ‘Yes’” (2 Cor 1:20).

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, you are our guarantee that God is a keeper of promises. Amen.