Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
God’s works are grandiose and proclaim His glory. However, mediocre man does not perceive behind these marvels the artist’s fingers of the Lord of Heaven and earth, who moulded all beings in the image of His sublime goodness. Creation is a mystery that only eyes enlightened by faith can see.
Such was Simeon’s gaze, made to soar to the highest pinnacles of contemplation. His manly and innocent heart, docile to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, sensed that it was God’s will for him to go to the Temple and there, among the crowd of devotees, he was able to discern the providential nature of a young Couple and, above all, the mission of the Infant who came cradled in the arms of the most gracious of mothers. What did he see in little Jesus and His Mother?
Simeon was “righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel” (Lk 2:25); therefore, his first intuition was that he was standing before the One who would redeem the people from their sins, as he himself would say in his inspired song: “mine eyes have seen Thy salvation” (Lk 2:30). He had met the Messiah before closing his eyes to this life, as the Holy Spirit had confided to him in the depths of his heart (cf. Lk 2:26).
Far from the sickly-sweet profile with which false piety presents Our Lord, Simeon’s perception was prophetic to the very end. The Messiah would be “set for the fall and rising of many in Israel,” an authentic “sign that is spoken against” so that “thoughts out of many hearts” could be revealed (Lk 2:34-35).
He was therefore a divider of waters who would unmask the false good, who had turned true religion into an instrument for their own vainglory and dishonest gain. He would exalt contrite sinners and the innocent, and humble those who wished to flaunt undeserved influence.
To do this, however, He would have to suffer greatly. Although Simeon does not say it outright, the prophecy about Our Lady’s future suffering makes it clear that the messianic mission would involve a harrowing sacrifice, which would resonate in Mary’s Heart like a sword of sorrow (cf. Lk 2:35). The way of the Redeemer, and also that of the Coredemptrix inseparably united to Him, would be full of struggles and crowned by a dramatic holocaust.
We too are called to follow our Lord and His Blessed Mother, travelling the road of suffering and struggle. Are we willing to embark on this path of pain and glory? We certainly will not lack consolation and divine help, but we need to confront this prospect head on, get down on our knees and beg for abundant graces so that we can end our struggle with the gallantry of St. Paul: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness” (cf. 2 Tm 4:7-8). ◊
