Reflection on Luke 2: 22-40

The ancient Semitic people believed that a child is not given but only lent by God to its parents. In the Gospel we come across the persecution of Jesus in the temple. On the contrary Simeon was watching. God promised him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah and the Spirit had told him to be in the temple. That day with his eyes open, would he recognize Him? Would he witness an uprising that would overthrow the Romans? Would he meet a Holy man destined to bring consolation to Israel? Or would it be something altogether different?
Imagine his surprise when the Spirit nudged Simeon toward a poor couple with their infant Son Him? Is this child the promised one, for those who long in uprightness and devotion to see God. God grants the joy of his vision. Simeon and Anna not only had a n earnest desire to see God but also lived a life worthy of it. Many miss this great joy of meeting God because they fail to complement their desire to see God with a life worthy of Him. God does not give his vision in such pleasing ways as we dream; so only those whose life is fashioned after Him can see Him; others miss Him. Actually as the son of God, Jesus did not have to be ‘redeemed.’ but Jesus’ humble parents are shown here to be obedient to the religious demands of their time. Knowing that their child belonged to the Lord, Joseph and Mary also declare in action that Yahweh is alone their Lord to whom they belong and whose will and law must obey although it was done according to the plan of God.
Suppose God has ever surprised you? Mostly we are negative to God’s call and God does not always work in ways we expect. Sure, we can be moved by a good homily or when reading the lives of Saints. Perhaps God’s voice is not as clear as Mary’s experience at the annunciation to us. Although it is not as vivid as her husband Joseph’s angel inspired dreams. It remains a truth of our faith that God is always speaking to those who seek Him. Jesus came to the temple that day as a helpless baby. But Simeon was still able to see that He was the promised Messiah. The same Holy Spirit who opened Simeon’s eyes wants to open our eyes as well. Best a ever reminding example is Mother Theresa. She met Jesus everyday in the streets of Calcutta.
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Fr. Paul narrates this incident: two pious women spent a Holy Week in a retreat center. They were touched by the ceremonies – the Gospels, the prayers, the songs. They returned home as renewed persons, relishing the heavenly experience they had there and talking about in the car while on their way back Look! There is a man lying on the road. Hurt? Thief, drunkard No one spoke. The car sped fast the man. They thought of informing the villagers nearby, but didn’t. They talk about the Holy Week and the heavenly experience never returned. And at home, they realized that the Holy Week was only a futile exercise. Had they taken a bit of risk, a bit of pain and stopped their car near the man, probably the Holy Week experience would have remained with them and give them the joy of a vision of God. They missed it for a ship between the cup and the lip. Herod missed it; the Pharisees missed it; so do many of us!!!
Questions to ponder:
When was the last time truly you felt that heard God’s voice speaking to your heart?
Do you see Jesus in others even at times of joy and sorrow?
Do you recognize Jesus’ intimacy?

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