Rosaries

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to God, as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to God.” They came to offer a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of God, “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.”

There lived in Jerusalem at the time a certain man named Simeon. He was just and pious, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested upon him. It was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had seen God’s Anointed One. He came into the temple, inspired by the Spirit. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do the customary ritual of the law, Simeon received him in his arms and blessed God. “Now Master, you can let your servant go in peace; you have fulfilled your word. My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before all the nations: a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Simeon blessed them and spoke to the child’s mother, Mary. “This child is destined for falling and the rising of many in Israel. He will be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”

Luke Luke 2:22 – 35

Mary and Joseph live their lives in faithfulness and so they begin Jesus’ own public life with the ritual of consecrating him to God. This first visit of the holy family outside the confines of where they have been staying is to the temple in Jerusalem. Every first-born child, is “handed over” to God in thankfulness. The offering that Mary and Joseph give is that of the poor, who cannot afford to give a lamb. What is remarkable is that no priest recognizes this child; those who recognize him as the promise are those who have waited in obedience and hope that the Word of God, given to the people through the prophets, will one day be reality.

Mary and Joseph don’t know what to make of the Simeon’s glorious foresight. They allow deliriously happy Simeon to hold Jesus in his arms and burst into song and praise God. Joseph and Mary are just ordinary believers, obeying the precepts of the law, and in the community of believers they are given revelation. This child is the consolation of Israel, the servant of liberation and freedom. Simeon’s eyes see not just a newborn child wrapped in swaddling clothes, the child of a poor couple, just weeks old; he sees the Good News of God and boldly proclaims the gospel for all to hear and see with him.