The Presentation of the Lord

To Hold the Lord in Our Arms

To hold a child in our arms is one of the most captivating experiences we can experience. Imagine then what it was like for Simeon to hold Jesus in his arms as Mary and Joseph brought him to the ritual Presentation in the Temple. Two years ago Pope Francis provided us with these words of reflection on this event:

How good it is for us to hold the Lord “in our arms” like Simeon. Not only in our heads and in our hearts, but also “in our hands.” In all that we do: in prayer, at work, at the table, on the telephone, at school, with the poor, everywhere.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord,
Feb. 2, 2018

Simeon and Anna are two profoundly faithful figures who wait patiently for the coming of the Messiah. Simeon, attentive to the work of the Holy Spirit, comes to the Temple to see God’s promise fulfilled. As for Anna, the other elder, the other wisdom figure, she appears in the Temple as an unlikely visitor. She shows up and demonstrates a deep spirituality and deep faithfulness. She recognizes the great destiny of this child, the one who brings HOPE. Simeon’s words are so needed by us. We too, if we recognize that we can hold the Lord in our arms in all the ways Pope Francis describes, can say “Now you let your servant go in peace; your work 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….”

Simeon and Anna are extraordinary witnesses to us of the spirituality, the faith journeys of our elders. During this year 2020, when we celebrate the completion of 40 years of faithfulness, living the vision and hope expressed by the founders of our parish community, we are filled with gratitude.