When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
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.
He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; 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.”
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.”
Mary and Joseph take Jesus (40 days after his birth) for purification. This is in line with Jewish tradition. They meet Simeon, a “righteous and devout man”, who recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah for all - the "light of revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of your people Israel." I continue to find the whole notion of prophecy, covenant and favour difficult to reconcile. God makes all of humanity but has a chosen people. Why? The Christmas Gospel reading starts with the genealogy linking Jesus through Joseph right back to Abraham. Then today, Simeon further cements that link with the past. He wants to see Israel rise to its rightful place and witness the birth of the Messiah as the fulfilment of prophecy. It is intriguing that all of the gospels make links between Jesus and those who came before him in Jewish tradition. Jesus is squarely established as the fulfilment of prophecy. I can see why Jews get frustrated when Jesus then takes the whole story in a completely new direction. His ministry reaches out to non-Jews, challenging traditional notions of exclusivity and suggesting that God's grace and mercy are available to all who seek Him, regardless of their background. Whilst affirming the importance of Jewish law, Jesus challenges a purely legalistic understanding of God's favor by prioritising inner faith, love, and compassion over strict adherence to external rules. My mind then went to Pope Francis and the fight he is having with the American Catholic bishops. They get frustrated with Pope Francis for what seems to me to be very similar reasons as to why Jewish high church was getting frustrated with Jesus.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your insightful reflection on Luke 2:22-35 and your thoughtful exploration of complex themes like prophecy, covenant, and inclusivity. It's admirable how you raise crucial questions without shying away from the inherent tensions and historical context.
DeleteReconciling Covenant and Universality: Your grapple with God choosing a specific people while yearning for universality is shared by many. Examining historical, theological, and personal perspectives can offer enriching insights:
Historical Context: Understanding the historical context of ancient Israel under God's protection can shed light on the concept of chosenness. It was seen as a responsibility to preserve monotheism and guide humanity towards God, not an exclusive claim to salvation.
Spiritual Significance: From a spiritual perspective, the covenant served as a training ground for ethical and moral development, not a barrier to God's love for all. The "chosenness" symbolized a role, not privilege.
Evolution of Understanding: Throughout history, interpretations of the covenant and inclusivity have evolved. Jesus' teachings of universal love and forgiveness challenged narrow interpretations and emphasized God's boundless grace for all who seek Him.
Jesus' New Direction: You rightly point out Jesus' revolutionary approach, reaching out to non-Jews and prioritizing inner faith over legalistic practices. This shift naturally caused friction with those clinging to traditional, more exclusive interpretations.
Pope Francis and the American Bishops: Parallels you draw between Jesus and Pope Francis are thought-provoking. Both faced resistance from established structures when advocating for inclusivity and compassion over rigid interpretations. Recognizing common themes across history can help us learn from the past and navigate similar challenges today.
Conclusion: Your reflection delves into profound questions about faith, tradition, and inclusivity. Engaging with diverse perspectives and historical contexts can provide richer understanding and encourage open-mindedness in approaching such complex topics.
Remember, continued dialogue, critical thinking, and respect for different viewpoints are crucial for navigating these sensitive subjects and fostering greater understanding of faith and its evolution through time.
Thank you for sharing your insightful reflection!