Word to the Wise
Thursday, December 30, 2010 - Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
[1 John 2:3-11 and Luke 2:22-35]Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel... [Luke]
These words of a grateful old man are recited by the Church at the end of each day in the liturgical hour of Compline. They are known as the Canticle of Simeon (the "Nunc Dimittis" from the first words in Latin). Today's gospel scripture presents them to us on the day after the feast of the Holy Innocents. Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises and the hopes of Israel, but not all people will see him that way. Simeon speaks of the child as "destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted." This is Luke's way of saying much of what is said in Matthew's account of the danger in the murderous actions of Herod. Both "infancy narratives" see the entire life of Jesus as represented in his first days of life!
When we celebrate the words of hope and gratitude voiced by Simeon, we are challenged to see Jesus in the same light. When we hear Simeon's dark prophecy, we recognize that this child is born for us but born to die for us as well. Jesus' birth and death encompass an entire human life, given for our lives. Simeon waited a long time to see what he saw in the child in the arms of Mary and Joseph. We are able to celebrate this child every day, especially if we echo the words of Simeon's song of joy and gratitude. AMEN
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