Word to the Wise
Friday, December 29, 2023 -
[1 John 2:3-11 and Luke 2:22-35]"Lord, now you 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!" "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." [Luke]
DECEMBER 29 5TH DAY IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS
The story of the "presentation" is a study in moods. There is the joy that Simeon shows in encountering Jesus and his mother and father in the temple and realizing that all of his hopes are to be fulfilled in the child. His song of praise, traditionally called "the Canticle of Simeon," is celebrated every evening at Compline in the Liturgy of the Hours.
But there is also the somber prophecy of Jesus' (and Mary's) fate. This contrast of "moods" is built into both the infancy narratives in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. There is the joy at the birth of Christ, but the sober and sorrowful future of his earthly life is also there. Simeon's prophecy and the story of the Holy Innocents and the feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr are all reminders to us that we cannot isolate just one thing in salvation history, namely the celebration of Christmas/Epiphany and ignore the rest. Lent and Holy Week will remind us further of the mystery of the Word made flesh that dwelled and continues to dwell in our midst. AMEN