While celebrating the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, we are invited to reflect on how we ourselves receive and recognize the Christ child. Am I a Simeon or an Anna?
The Christmas season has come to an end, and we have welcomed the joy of the Messiah, but have we recognized Him as the Savior of the World? When Simeon encounters Christ in the temple he recognizes that God’s promise to him “that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2:26) has been fulfilled. He also prophesizes to Mary that “a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (Luke 2:35).
In the famous fresco by Giotto, we are invited into the encounter between Simeon and the Christ. The left side of the painting portrays the Lord’s humanity in its radical simplicity. Joseph stands near holding two turtle doves to offer at the temple. Mary is the picture of motherhood, reaching out for her child in need.
The figures on the right half of the painting are enlivened with divine meaning and point to Jesus’ divinity – the angel flying overhead, the prophetess with the scroll. Look at the face of Simeon – full of awe and thanksgiving as he gazes at the face of God.
In contrast, the Child Jesus at the center of the fresco portrays his full humanity by reaching back to his mother. Surely we can all think of a time when we have seen a baby reject the arms of a stranger in favor of the comforting embrace of his mother.
Imagine Jesus as that sweet baby.
Simeon’s words at the temple are honored and repeated during the Liturgy of the Hours, prayed daily in Compline (Night Prayer). Each night, with the setting of the sun, we are reminded of our death, and the words of Simeon remind us of a life of faith, well lived.
Tonight, pray the Canticle of Simeon and then return to the image by Giotto:
Canticle of Simeon
Antiphon: Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in His peace. Alleluia!
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Antiphon: Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in His peace. Alleluia!
Place yourself into the image, in the position of Simeon with Christ in your arms. What must that be like?
Imagine the relief and peace of Simeon that God’s promise to him has been fulfilled. He has beheld the Messiah and now his life is complete. Repeat the words of Simeon in the canticle – words of thanksgiving, praise, peace, and surrender. The encounter with Christ is enough for Simeon. His life is now complete. Is the encounter enough for you?
