Today is the feast of the Presentation, celebrating the time when Jesus was brought to the temple to be presented to the Lord. The readings challenge us to become like Simeon and Anna and to recognize the Christ who is presented in the temple. What is our temple? Is it the church, our community, or the temple of our hearts?
In the first reading, Malachi prophesied about the Lord coming, or rather the Lord’s arrival to the people. His message is a challenging one, talking about the Lord coming to refine or purify his people, just as gold and silver are refined. The second reading, the letter to the Hebrews, reminds us that Jesus underwent his suffering, his testing, to be like us in every way, so he can help those who are being tested, people like us.
The Gospel gives us the story of Jesus being brought to the temple, as prophesied in the book of Malachi. My interest was sparked by Simeon and Anna, and Luke’s focus on them. They are both elderly and, in our culture, they would have been considered elders. Simeon was filled with the Holy Spirit, and it had been revealed to him that he would not see death before he saw Christ. Anna, we hear, practically lived in the temple, praying and fasting day and night, a very faithful and holy woman. I am reminded of our own culture and the role of elders. We become an elder when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizing Jesus when we see or meet him.
Like Simeon, we can accept the situation of our world because our Savior is here. We know that, even though we have a Savior, like Mary a sword can also pierce our hearts; and that if we live the life of a good Christ follower, we will become a contradiction to worldly values. Simeon is ready to let go of all because he has seen the Savior and is ready to die. Anna also recognized the Savior because she had emptied herself to God through prayer and fasting, totally focusing her life on God, day and night. Anna spread the news of Christ’s arrival to all who would listen, operating from the depths of her being.
Like Anna, let us reinforce our faith with prayer and fasting, which can transform our lives and remove the blinders from our eyes so we can see Christ; and let us wait patiently to see our Savior, like Simeon.
Sr. Terry Beaudry