in the law of the Lord: Every first-born male shall be consecrated to God. And they offered a
sacrifice, as ordered in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. There
lived in Jerusalem, at this time, a very upright and devout man named Simeon; the Holy
Spirit was in him. He looked forward to the time when the Lord would comfort Israel; and he
had been assured, by the Holy Spirit, that he would not die before seeing the Messiah of the
Lord. So, he was led into the temple by the Holy Spirit at the time the parents brought the
child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law. Simeon took the child in his
arms, and blessed God, saying, “Now, O Lord, you can dismiss your servant in peace, for
you have fulfilled your word and my eyes have seen your salvation, which you display for
all the people to see. Here is the light you will reveal to the nations, and the glory of
your people Israel.” His father and mother wondered at what was said about the child.
Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, “Know this: your son is a sign; a sign
established for the falling and rising of many in Israel, a sign of contradiction; and a
sword will pierce your own soul, so that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess named Anna, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
After leaving her father’s home, she had been seven years with her husband; and since
then, she had been continually about the temple, serving God, as a widow, night and day,
in fasting and prayer. She was now eighty-four. Coming up at that time, she gave praise to
God, and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When the parents had fulfilled all that was required by the law of the Lord, they returned
to their town, Nazareth in Galilee. There, the child grew in stature and strength, and
was filled with wisdom: the grace of God was upon him.

Reflect

“Light of the world.” Today's Feast is associated with candle-lighting which in turn reminds
us of Jesus Christ as the light of the world. He is the light that enlightens us all, taking
us away from the darkness of despair. Nunc dimittis, the cry of Simeon, presents itself
as a statement of hope. Anna, as the Gospel narrates, also appeared very hopeful as
she spoke of the child Jesus. Jesus is our light of hope but he is also the sign that is to
be contradicted. He is the light that generates hope but we need to accept and welcome
him into our lives. Jesus presents himself to us every day but if we reject him then we
will surely remain in the darkness of despair. In today’s Gospel, Simeon is described as
a very righteous and devout man while Anna is presented as a woman of prayer. They
were drawn close to Jesus and they welcomed him, making them hopeful not only for
themselves but for all the people. Jesus shares his light of hope to us, his followers that
we may also become the beacons of hope whenever and wherever there is despair.

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