There lived in Jerusalem, at this time, a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the
Holy Spirit was in him. So, he was led into the temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents
brought the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law.
Simeon took the child in his arms, and blessed God, saying, “Now, O Lord, you can dismiss
your servant in peace, for you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you display for all the people to see. Here is the light you will reveal to the nations, and
the glory of your people Israel.“
His father and mother wondered at what was said about the child. Simeon blessed them, and
said to Mary, his mother, “Know this: your son is a sign; a sign established for the falling and
rising of many in Israel, a sign of contradiction; and a sword will pierce your own soul, so that,
out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.“
Reflect
Today’s first reading begins with a question that many people today share: How can we know
that we know God? We want to grow in our relationship with God. We want to know and love
the God who made us and who saves us., but how can we be sure that we know God? In the
first Letter of John, the answer is simple. We know that we know God if we obey his
commandments. The Gospel gives us more information. Simeon, who followed God’s
commandments throughout his long life, is told by the Holy Spirit that he will see the Messiah.
The Holy Spirit then leads Simeon to the temple where he encounters Jesus.
So what do these readings mean for us? They teach us that we can encounter God by striving
to discern his will and conform our lives to his plan. We should also allow ourselves to be docile
to the Holy Spirt working in our lives and showing us the way we should go. If we obey God’s
will and listen to the Spirit, we will encounter the Lord and know him truly.
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