The Gospel
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him 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 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.”
Reflection
This Gospel goes deep by pulling in scripture from the Old Testament. First it brings in Exodus 13:2, “Consecrate to me every first-born; whatever opens the womb among the Israelites, of man or beast, belongs to me.” It stems from when God struck down the firstborn of Egypt, every firstborn from then on was considered God’s possession. This comes up again in 13:11-16, Numbers 3 and Numbers 18. When we think of “rules”, we often think of the book of Leviticus, which is where it says, “if she cannot afford a lamb, she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.”
What does this reveal to us? Mary and Joseph would have been considered rather poor. Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, has entered the world into a family that is not wealthy, not powerful, and if we remember yesterday - actively being sought after to be destroyed.
Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple not because they must prove anything to anyone, rather it continues the showing of their quiet and humble obedience to God’s law. In their economic state, they make a journey and travel even with the danger that looms to follow the law of God. Their simple offering reveals a God who works through humility, not status or wealth, and who meets His people where they are.
Simeon was just a person like any of us. Again - God working through everyone. He represents a faith that waits without growing weary. We know the Holy Spirit has come to him and he does not demand signs; he remains trusting that God’s promise will be fulfilled in His time. When Simeon finally holds Christ, his waiting turns into peace. This reminds us that a life rooted in hope, even when stretched over many years, is never wasted.
For Christians, Simeon’s words challenge us to recognize Christ as both comfort and challenge. Jesus is light and salvation, but also a sign that exposes the truth of our hearts. Following Him will bring clarity, but not always ease. Mary’s pierced heart was a prophecy made 30 years in advance, when she would stand, watching Jesus die on the cross. It reminds us that love and sacrifice are inseparable.
This Gospel invites us to live faithfully, wait patiently, and trust that surrender to Christ—whatever it costs—leads us to true peace.