Christmas Octave, Wednesday – 29th December 2021 — Gospel: Lk 2,22-35
Living in Simeon’s Spirit
The Gospel consists of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the purification of Mary and the Song of Simeon. Simeon is introduced immediately after the two big events: the presentation and the purification. He too, like Zechariah and Elizabeth, is described as “righteous”. He is also “devout”. He lived in the Spirit and allowed himself to be led by the Spirit. The Spirit, who had revealed to him that he would not see death until he saw the anointed one, is the same Spirit who rests on him and gives him utterance to speak. His expectations were met. Inspired by the Spirit, he came to the temple as Mary and Joseph arrived with Jesus. He looked forward to the restoration of the people and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive work. In the hymn of praise, he declares the faithfulness of God and the redemption of the people. Simeon embodied a soul who seeks first the kingdom of God (Mt 6,33) and received all else from God’s hand. Simeon was intimate with the divine. To be so connected, Simeon possessed God’s will, purity of intention, and great love.
