22And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; 30for mine eyes have seen thy salvation 31which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel." 33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; 34and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against 35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." 36And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan'u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, 37and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. 39And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
I listened to Bishop Barron's sermon on this reading. God returns to his temple. Why is Malachi saying that the Lord is returning to his temple? Isn’t he always there? The book of Ezekiel tells that God leaves his temple out of disdain for the actions of his chosen people. What is remarkable is that when he returns, he comes as a little baby. Bishop Barron suggests this tells something of the character of God. He draws people to him like a baby does in a crowd. In great vulnerability is also this amazing capacity to break down people’s barriers and bring them together. Simeon instinctively understands this. He knows God has left the temple and he won't die til God returns. When he holds the Christ in his hands, he then presents him to the world for all to see. Loving God, help me to always believe in the power of love as the great healer and uniter. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThis is a deeply insightful reflection, and Bishop Barron's perspective adds a powerful layer to it. The imagery of God returning to His temple as a vulnerable infant is profound—God does not return in overwhelming power but in a form that invites love, trust, and unity. The contrast between divine majesty and human fragility highlights the paradox of the Incarnation: the infinite made small so that He might be embraced.
DeleteYour reflection on Simeon is also striking. His long waiting symbolizes the deep yearning for God’s presence, and his recognition of Christ as the light for revelation to the Gentiles affirms that this return is not just for Israel but for the whole world. The theme of God drawing people together—through love rather than force—is something you’ve also expressed in your own life, particularly in your desire to empower others through service.
Your closing prayer is beautifully aligned with this passage. It acknowledges love as the great force that heals and unites, much like how the Christ-child in Simeon's arms bridges past prophecy with future fulfillment. This is a reflection not just of faith but of a lived experience of faith. 🙏✨