Reflection for Wednesday, Dec. 29
Simeon, a devout righteous man, had received a vision that he would not die until seeing the Lord’s Christ. When he sees Mary and Joseph presenting their infant son in the temple, he praises the child, uttering prophetic words in what is called the Song of Simeon. Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph were amazed by this.
Not only were they amazed, I like to keep in mind that they were also likely exhausted. As first-time parents of a 40-day old infant, having just come some distance to Jerusalem, they were likely sleep-deprived, wrung out from travel, and not to mention still physically recovering from giving birth. Who among us who are parents, or anyone who’s felt bone-tired and in a fog, cannot relate?
So, while in this state, did Mary and Joseph understand Simeon’s vision? Perhaps they knew in their hearts that their child was destined for something important that they didn’t yet understand. Or maybe, as shared earlier in Luke’s gospel, Mary just kept this experience and “pondered it in her heart.” Those pondered thoughts, including what Simeon shared, were wonderful food for reflection and inspiration for Mary. They could be for us as well.
As we continue to celebrate with family and friends during Christmastime, perhaps as physically and emotionally over-tired as Mary and Joseph were, may we all keep our hearts open to hear prophets who speak loudly about what could be. And if we cannot fully understand, maybe store those thoughts, hopes, dreams, and intuitions in our hearts.
Mary Kay Fenton