“The presentation of Jesus in the temple,” the feast the Church celebrates today, “shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. With Simeon and Anna, all Israel awaits its encounter with the Savior” (CCC 529). And what an encounter it is, rich in history and context: faithful Mary and Joseph, adhering to Mosaic Law and bringing the child Jesus to Jerusalem to present and consecrate him to the Lord; and bringing for sacrifice what they could afford – two turtledoves or pigeons rather than a lamb.
Simeon and Anna are described as righteous and devout (Simeon) and widowed, advanced in years, and living at the temple (Anna). Steadfast in faith and hope, they are waiting for the consolation of Israel: the coming of the Messiah and God’s redemption of his people.
By the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Simeon knows immediately that the child is the Messiah for whom he has long waited. Luke tells us that Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God. Simeon, who has waited and watched for the Lord, feels the joy of sentry duty completed. He has been vigilant, assured that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. Now he beholds his salvation. Now he may depart from this life; he may die in the peace that Christ brings.
Anna, too, recognized Christ in her presence: 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. She, too, discovered joy in waiting on God’s promises and seeing them fulfilled.
How can we imitate Simeon and Anna, so as to recognize God’s action in our lives? How can we learn to respond with the same promptness, adoration, and gratitude? Like them, a good deal of our lives is spent in this silence of waiting. But, like Simeon and Anna, we must remain steadfast – praying, fasting, and hoping in God. If we do this faithfully, we will learn to recognize the Lord when he comes.
Earlier we said that Joseph and Mary would have brought two turtledoves or pigeons for sacrifice, rather than a lamb. In truth, however, they brought both. Presenting Jesus in the temple, they brought the perfect, spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
He is likewise present to us today in the Holy Eucharist. Happy are we if, like Simeon and Anna, we prepare our hearts to encounter him who is our salvation.
(Fr. Michał Pająk, OMI, Feb. 2, 2025)
