Fr. Lito
In this episode, the temple becomes the meeting point of
promise and fulfilment. The Old Testament, represented by Simeon, welcome the
New Testament, represented by Jesus, who is also destined to be the new temple,
where God can be worshipped in spirit and truth. It is a gracious meeting in
which the Old recognizes the New as the embodiment of God’s faithfulness to
promises made in the past. The evangelist Luke shows the continuity between the
Old Testament and the New Testament through Simeon’s peaceful exit to give way
to god’s new offer of salvation in the person of Jesus.
I personally make out the following reflection points from
the Gospel:
- Jesus, the word-incarnate, is forever the Father’s firstborn. The Mystery of the Incarnation is a self-emptying. Jesus poured himself out to humanity and he left the glory of the father in order to save us. But during his earthly ministry, he remains connected to the Father. He is eternally the Father’s.
- Jesus, the word-incarnate, is icon of primordial obedience. Jesus came as one who is greater than Moses – greater than the laws and the traditions of Israel. However, in a gesture of humility and obedience, he lived under the conditions of the law. He is truly an Incarnate, inculturated God.
- “When the parents brought in the child Jesus… he took him into his arms and blessed God…”
Jesus is bringer of peace /
Jesus is God’s faithfulness – one who fulfils God’s promise /
Jesus is salvation / Jesus is revealing light /
Jesus is the glory of God / Jesus is a sign of contradiction /
Jesus is one who reveals the thoughts of many hearts.
Which of these words of Simeon speaks in
your heart and life when you speak about taking Jesus into your arms?
Lord, in you, God has shown his faithfulness
to us. Now in you, we are empowered to be faithful to God. Amen.
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