When Mary and Joseph arrived at the Temple, they were met by the priest Simeon who, “inspired by the Spirit”, had gone there.
Our Lady presented him with her Son, who was most amiable towards him. The venerable old man experienced an indescribable joy at receiving God himself in his arms. The Child Jesus smiled and showed gracious tokens of affection as He gazed upon Simeon, stroking the prophet’s beard with his little hands, which touched him to the depths of his soul.
The fidelity of Simeon had reached its apex, for which he was rewarded a superabundant consolation. Confidence was the arm with which he had won victory over all appearances of failure, and it led him to meet the Holy Family at the height of his trial.
