RBWords

     Every episode in the "infancy narratives" is meant to tell us something about Jesus' whole life.  At the same time, the characters have their own attraction and "agendas!" Today's episode is what we celebrate in the Fourth Joyful Mystery of the rosary:  the Presentation in the Temple!  The character at stage center is Simeon, a man of faith, filled with the Holy Spirit.  The location is crucial - the temple - the place of God's presence!   The Holy Spirit will figure large in the Gospel of Luke.  Simeon is inspired to go to the temple, recognize Jesus, and utter the beautiful words that tradition now calls the Nunc dimittis (the Canticle of Simeon) in which he speaks of the fulfillment of all his hopes and dreams in faith, but also the fulfillment of the hopes and dreams of Israel!  He also speaks of the future, which will mean that Jesus will be a "sign of contradiction" and that Mary herself will suffer for her role.  She and Joseph are portrayed here as pious and observant Jewish parents (an important point in establishing Jesus' "credentials").

     A lot of theology is packed into a single incident!  On one level we have simply the beautiful encounter of the parents with the pious old man (and with Anna, too).  On another level, we have much to learn about Jesus from the story.  The "mini-gospel" of the infancy narrative once more serves as a kind of "overture" giving us the major themes of the larger story.  The Liturgy of the Hours repeats Simeon's beautiful words each evening at Compline (Night Prayer).  It is a prayer that we could all say in faith and gratitude.  AMEN

Note to the Beloved Congregation.  I will be staying in a different time zone for about a week - Mountain time in Tucson, AZ.  So this reflection will seem to be posted an hour later than usual till January 6th.