Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Lead me this day to your divine appointment.
Imagination:
Picture Simeon praising God with Jesus in his arms and prophesying to the Blessed Mother.
Context:
After forty days, Mary and Joseph fulfill the Mosaic Law by presenting Jesus in the temple. Surprisingly, Simeon appears on the scene. Luke says that the Holy Spirit was with Simeon, revealed the future to him and led him into the temple.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
In Jerusalem was a man named Simeon. He was just, devout and waited for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Spirit was with him. The Spirit had told him that he would not see death until he had seen the anointed one of the Lord. On this day, the Spirit led him to the temple. When his parents brought in the child Jesus, according to the custom of the law, he took him in his arms and blessed God.
Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- Simeon totally dedicated his life to God.
- He is just, devout and awaiting the consolation of Israel.
- Even more important, the Spirit of God is upon him.
- The Spirit had spoken to him promising that he would see the Messiah.
- He receives his promised gift, seeing and holding the Messiah.
- He prophesies the sword of sorrow that will pierce the Blessed Mother’s Heart.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O God, let me be a solace to the heart of the Blessed Mother.
- O Jesus, let your Spirit guide me in all distress.
- When your Spirit speaks, I will listen. When He leads, I will follow.
- Jesus, someday I will see you and hold you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ With God’s help, I will be just and devout today and open to the Holy Spirit.
+ Today, I will open my heart to the heart of the Blessed Mother.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
On this day, let the Spirit touch our hearts.