February 2nd - Reflection

Reading
Presentation of Our Lord
Luke 2:22-40 (NRSV)

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 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed -- and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.


Reflection
Simeon and Anna, two different people, two devout children of God. In both cases, Jesus comes to them. Comes to them as a child.

Jesus comes to me as a child. No matter what age you are, Jesus comes to you when you are but a child. I think we all remain children in this present walk of life. I think that in God's eyes, no matter our age we are always children. Just as I view all of my own children, they remain my precious dear children all life long. Children that I love and care for. Children that I need to hear from. Children that I long to show their love to me. God treats me as his child. And Simeon and Anna, even in old age, respond in joy as children would respond at the sight of Jesus.

Simeon had the honor of praising God in his hands. Simeon had the honor of touching the Savior. Simeon had the honor to speak the tough prophetic words of a God that would save his people in a way that none could imagine. Salvation in the deepest of love...life for life and then life eternal.

And Anna...precious Anna. Anna, although old in age, left that sight in tremendous joy to proclaim the Messiah to all who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. What an example!

Each day through the Word and God's ever presence, I leave this place, open the door, and go outside with Jesus, Moses, and another, in joy to proclaim the Messiah to all who are looking for redemption. Go in joy! Thanks be to God!

Simeon and Anna...two devout people...two different children of God...two joyful people!!!

Prayer
Lord, you have presented yourself to me here in this place. Hear my song of praise and thanks. See my joy! Thanks be to God! Now I go into your Kingdom to proclaim you as Messiah. I go in joy! ---Amen