Thursday, January 30, 2020

Presentation of the Lord







Have you ever been invited to a Baptism? It's my experience, many baptisms never start on time. You sit in the pew waiting for the parents to enter the Church. You look down at your watch and ask, “Why are they late?” Five minutes pass, ten minutes later, the doors of the Church open and the parents come running in late. The wife blames the husband and the husband blames the new born. You get what I’m saying, yet everything changes when you see the new born child. Just imagine waiting a life time of prayer, fasting and anticipating the Christ child.

In today's Gospel (Luke 2:22-40), we read about the elderly man name Simeon. Simeon was a righteous man. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ the Lord. When Simeon saw the Christ child, he burst into tears of joy and praise. Everything Changed.

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all the people: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

Simeon was absolutely sure that the Lord Jesus was coming. What confidence and perseverance Simeon had, to wait a life time to see the Christ child. As the years passed, Simeon’s faith grew that the birth of Savior was near. Simeon expected the Lord to come at any moment. We have all experienced this feeling of waiting; remember what it was like to wait for Christmas morning. We could not wait to open our presents. The excitement, anticipation was unbearable. Imagine now, knowing that the Savior was coming closer each day. Then it happens, your eyes see the Savior. A door in your heart opens inside your soul.

Has your life changed when you witnessed the Christ child? Did we accept that encounter or did we reject it? Maybe we rejected the moment because we were not ready? Are we waiting a lifetime like Simeon for that encounter? Do we have the gift of perseverance? Are we looking for Christ with our eyes, or are we blinded by our pride. Pride is my biggest obstacle. I ask St. Simeon to intercede on our behalf that we can open our eyes and hearts to see the Christ child.

St. Simeon, Pray for us!

Bernard of Clairvaux
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1 comment:

  1. FrankJanuary 31, 2020 at 10:49 AM

    Wonderful reflection! AS someone who performs many baptisms I agree with your assessment that they almost invariably start late - for a whole host of reasons. And your observation is right on point - once the child s there, nothing else matters. You know, there is a point in the baptism liturgy, right after the petitions, where we have the Litany of Saints. We invoke their intercession on behalf of the children being baptized. It includes Our Blessed Mother, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph and I always add St. Brigid, of course. From now on I am adding the name of Simeon, having been inspired by your reflection. Thank you!

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