29th, December, Tuesday
I. 1 JN 2:3-11
II. LK 2:22-35
Theme: Practicing Patience for the fulfilment of the Lord's promises.
Today's Gospel passage presents us with the episode of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple by Mary and Joseph and the prophecy of Simeon. The passage tells us that Simeon was an upright and devout man who looked forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. Simeon's prophecy is a remarkable one for many reasons. Firstly, Simeon proclaims that Christ is a light to enlighten the Gentiles. The Jews had an understanding among them that the Messiah was only for them he would defeat the Gentiles and bring redemption to their race. The Jews felt privileged that they were the chosen people of God, and they looked down on the Gentiles. Still Simeon had the insight to proclaim that the Messiah would come to save everyone. Even at his birth the Magi were gathered around his manger. As St. Paul says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Secondly, Simeon prophesied that the Messiah would be a sign of contradiction he will be the one who would be accepted by some and rejected by others. St. John says, “He came to his own and his own did not receive him.” Also, Simeon prophesies about the suffering and sorrows that Mary would have to endure. It is, no doubt, a difficult thing to say to a young mother who is bringing her newborn child to be presented in the Temple. Mary's entire earthly life would be a combination of suffering and joys, all of them due to her obedience to the will of God. Both Jesus and Mary stand out as role models for the life of every Christian. Because of their readiness to do the will of God, they underwent great sufferings, but their lives were a rich witness to the blessings that come from obedience to God's will. Simeon too stands out as a model of patient waiting for the fulfilment of the Lord's promises and the joy and peace that accompanies it. Let us pray for the grace to be obedient and ready to do God's will in all things.
Bro. Martin
II BTH