Simeon

One Letter Makes a Difference…

Sometimes in preparing for milestones, or even just in going through ordinary life experiences, the process, rhythm, and circumstances can start to feel like a millstone around one’s neck. In the Gospel according to Luke, the Presentation in the Temple (chapter 2, verses 22 through 40), Mary is told of her son, by an elderly man… a man whom she probably never met before, “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.” That seems pretty heavy. It leaves one to wonder what kind of impact the experience may have had on Mary.

Looking back, we know from Scripture that Mary also experienced the words of the Angel Gabriel, prior to Jesus’ birth, during the Annunciation of the Lord (Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 through 38), “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” …, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” The Angel Gabriel, also shares news with Mary about her relative, Elizabeth, who is barren… deemed a helpless situation, now expecting a child. Gabriel closes by saying, “for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Jumping ahead to the Presentation of the Lord again, we learn that the Holy Family also encountered an elderly woman in the temple, also likely unknown to them. Like, Simeon, this woman, Anna, a widow, had also been waiting. Unlike, Simeon, though, who was led by the Spirit into the temple at the time of the presentation, Anna, was already in the temple, fasting and praying throughout each day. While there circumstances were different, both Simeon and Anna, were waiting and hanging onto, not only the Word of God, but also God’s presence.

It is written of Simeon’s actions:

“…he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
‘Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,…’”

We also learn of Anna’s actions:

“she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”

After the presentation in the temple, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus returned to Nazareth, where, it is written, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

One need not imagine the uncertainty that Mary and Joseph, Simeon, or Anna faced throughout life. While not exactly the same, it is similar to the uncertainty that each of us faces.

To hope… to believe… to trust and persevere, sometimes, one needs to go back and remember the word and works of God. To stay in the presence of them, wrapping them around oneself, holding onto God’s word… God’s presence, before, as well as while, continuing on in faith, and moving forward, regardless of whether it feels like a millstone or a milestone.

From the moment of creation, the favor of God is upon each of us.

milestone

More Than Words…

Oftentimes there is so much more to any story or situation than what one may initially see, perceive, or be told by others. While sometimes, we not get a chance to see beyond the surface for ourselves that is not an excuse to avoid trying. In any situation, both divinity and humanity call us to dive deeper, seeking truth and compassion rather than assuming.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for presentation in the temple, as was customary according to the law of Moses, they encountered Simeon and Anna, two older people who seemed to have more than knowledge, who professed understanding of who this infant before them was and what the future would hold for him and the family. One can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph to hear the words of Simeon and Anna, especially, Simeon’s words. He blessed Jesus as Savior and “a light for revelation” and “glory” for God’s people (Luke 2:32). Not only that, but he said to Mary, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted” (Luke 2:34).  If that was not confounding enough, he told Mary, “and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (Luke 2:35).

As we go through life we all experience times of being told information by others. The challenge is figuring out what to believe. How we decide what to listen to and what to dismiss is key. How did Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna decide?

Perhaps even more significant, is determining what, of that which is spoken, is one’s business, or what is truly worth one’s time?

Mary and Joseph had already been told by Angels, messengers sent from God, that their Son would be God incarnate. They did not know exactly what that was going to mean or specifically what it would entail. Simeon and Anna both had been waiting for the birth of the Savior. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Surely, Anna, a prophetess, who worshipped day and night, also had been told comparable news along the way.

Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna, were individuals, and unique as such. While they pursued the same goal, to live in faithfulness to God, the way they went about being faithful was likely similar, but not identical. They were four people who experienced and had come to know what many people would consider unbelievable, or fantasy. However, with what they shared, as many before them, as well as after them… with great faith in and devotion to God, and through continued prayer, they were able to know which Voice to listen to and which ones to tune out—examples worth emulating.

Trees