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GOSPEL | Luke 2:22-40 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted -and you yourself a sword will pierce- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
GOING DEEPER What would it take for you to wait on God’s promise for decades? This Gospel recounts the faith of Simeon and Anna, two figures who waited patiently for the fulfillment of God’s promise. Simeon, led by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant Jesus as the salvation of the world. His song, often called the Nunc Dimittis, speaks of Jesus as both “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and “glory for your people Israel.” Anna, a widow who spent her life in worship, fasting, and prayer, similarly testifies to Jesus’ role in the redemption of Jerusalem. These profound moments of recognition and joy come after years of waiting, sacrifice, and hope. Simeon and Anna embody the truth that God’s promises often require perseverance. Modern culture, by contrast, prizes instant gratification. Studies on attention and delay of gratification, like Walter Mischel’s famous marshmallow test, reveal that the inability to wait for long-term rewards often leads to poor decision-making, dissatisfaction, and impulsivity. In the spiritual life, impatience with God’s timing can lead us to settle for lesser goods or lose hope altogether.
The story also draws attention to the role of suffering in God’s plan. Simeon’s prophecy to Mary—“a sword will pierce your own soul”—foreshadows the suffering she will endure as the Mother of Sorrows. Yet, her suffering is not meaningless. It participates in the redemptive mission of Christ, as does our own suffering when united with His. The Catechism (CCC 618) reminds us that, by taking up our cross and following Christ, we gain a share in His redemptive work.
The deeper challenge of this Gospel lies in Simeon’s statement that Jesus is “destined for the fall and rise of many.” Christ’s presence reveals the hearts of all people. Do we embrace the light He brings, even when it exposes our sins and attachments? Or do we resist it, preferring the comfort of darkness? This moment in the temple reminds us that true peace comes not from avoiding discomfort but from aligning our hearts with God’s will.
Anna’s example also calls us to consider how we spend our time. Her life of prayer and fasting bears witness to the fruitfulness of a life centered on God. In a world consumed by busyness, how often do we neglect prayer or prioritize lesser things over time with God? This passage invites us to reflect on the promises we are waiting for, the ways we embrace or resist God’s light, and how we can grow in patience and faith as we await the fullness of redemption.
EVERY WEEK QUESTION What struck you? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
LIFE APPLICATION QUESTIONS Waiting on God’s promises: What are you waiting for in your spiritual life? How can you grow in patience and trust in God’s timing?
Allowing Christ’s light to transform you: What areas of your heart need the light of Christ to expose and heal? Are you willing to let His truth challenge you, even if it’s uncomfortable?
Living a life centered on God: How can you make prayer, worship, or fasting a more consistent part of your life this week? What distractions might you need to set aside to prioritize your relationship with God?
LIVE IT Going around, affirm one particular way that person has inspired you by their faithfulness in waiting on God. Encourage him/her.
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