Luke 2,22-40.
Three ceremonies surrounded the birth of a firstborn male child. (Ex 13,2,12,15), and Num 8,13-15). Circumcision, the first ceremony, took place on the eighth day after birth and was also the occasion on which the child was named. In the case of a first- born male there was also the redemption of the child which took place a month after the child’s birth and consisted of making a 5 shekel offering to the Temple. The third ritual, the purification of the mother, took place forty days after giving birth, and consisted of the offering of a lamb and a turtle dove or two young pigeons. The poor could substitute a dove or two pigeons for the lamb. A woman who had given birth was considered unclean and was banned from taking part in public worship until the purification had taken place.
Simeon was upright like Zachary the parent of John the Baptist (Lk 1,6) and Joseph (Mt 1,19). Being devout implies being careful about his religious duties. Looking forward to the comforting of Israel is a standard way of saying awaiting the coming of the Messiah and the messianic age. (Cf Isaiah 40-55). The Holy Spirit had assured Simeon of living to see the Messiah. The same Spirit had now inspired Simeon to come to the Temple for this special meeting. He took the Messiah child in his arms and blessed God for having seen this special child. Simeon can die in peace now, for in this child he has seen the salvation of God for all peoples, a light to enlighten the pagans, about the truth of God, and to lead the people of Israel to the glory they are destined for.
As Mary and Joseph wonder at what is being said about the child, Simeon speaks a second prophecy. Any unreal expectation of a speedy track to quick glory for Israel is shattered by the further revelation that this child is destined to be the centre of controversy and contradiction for Israel, and of grief and pain to his mother. The fall and the rising of many in Israel ultimately means that before the Messiah leads Israel to her glory, he must first tread the path of suffering with Israel. Anna the prophetess, too, spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem, reiterating the same messianic message.
Five times, this gospel passage reminds us that Mary and Joseph fulfilled the requirements of the Law for the child Jesus, (Vs 22,23,24,27,39), indicating that they were good, law- abiding Jews. In describing Simeon as upright and devout, the same fidelity to the requirements of law is implied. But it is noteworthy, too, how much emphasis there is on the work and guidance of the Holy Spirit in his life and on his openness to the Spirit’s promptings.
Respect for the values enshrined in the Law of God (the Commandments) and openness to the promptings of the Holy Spirit are an ideal combination for happy family life today, as well. Basic values like love of God and neighbour are important for our times too.
For Anna prayer and fasting would have been the staples of her spiritual life. “The family that prays together stays together” holds good for our times, too.
Mary and Joseph wonder/marvel at the things being said about the child, indicating a prayerful, open, meditative attitude to the word of God being spoken in prophecy.
In these times and indeed always, hope in God and in the future are important family values.
Fr Geoff O’Grady