Scripture Reflection of Luke 2:22–40 (The Presentation of the Lord)
Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:
‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,
just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans
and the glory of your people Israel.’
As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected — and a sword will pierce your own soul too — so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.”
“As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him”
As I reflected upon the gospel today, I am particularly drawn to the behavior of Joseph and Mary and how they must have felt hearing the words from Simeon and Anna.
Simeon had just made a powerful proclamation. Although Joseph and Mary knew that Jesus was the chosen one, they did not react in any way upon hearing Simeon’s words, but simply stood there wondering.
Why did they stand there wondering? Were they dumbfounded? In awe? Loss for words? Worried about how Jesus’ future might unfold? Perhaps they were, but they simply pondered upon those words in their hearts.
This was immediately followed by Simeon telling Mary that Jesus would be rejected, and a sword would pierce her soul. These words can hardly be considered comforting to a mother of a newborn! Simeon’s praises for baby Jesus seemed to be followed by curses to both the child and mother (or so it appears to me).
I would have been uncomfortable hearing such contradicting statements. With my mediocre human intellect, I would not have been able to understand. Did Mary also find it difficult to rationalize all Simeon had said? Was she puzzled? Given that she was pious and had abided by Jewish custom to bring baby Jesus to be consecrated to God, did she feel hurt or discouraged?
Yet neither Joseph nor Mary portrayed any reaction. They simply kept all that was said in their hearts, pondering over it. They never reacted. Conversely, they responded. They continued to consecrate baby Jesus to God, went back to Galilee, and raised Jesus as best as they could. They simply lived out their vocation with joy, without complaint.
And as I continue to imagine the event, I suppose even if Joseph or Mary received any form of negative statements, or encountered anything they didn’t comprehend, they would not have been too affected mentally or emotionally. They were people who walked so closely to Jesus and trusted in God entirely to be affected in any way.
Let us follow in the example of Joseph and Mary, to always first contemplate in our hearts before responding, never to react. In all circumstances, let us walk closely with Christ, practicing prudence. Pause, ponder, and pray about the things we do not understand or tend to disagree with, and the Lord will guide our response. Let our response in words and actions always be a light of Christ to others.
But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. — Luke 2:19
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Originally published at Medium
Photo: Mitch K. Hodge, Unsplash / PD-US
