Fifth Day of the
Octave of Christmas
(I John 2:3-11; Luke 2:22-35)
Biblical experts say that in the eyes of Luke, the
evangelist, the story of salvation is written in three volumes. The first volume is the entire Old
Testament. The second is the gospel of Jesus
which Luke wrote. And the third volume
is the Acts of the Apostles which Luke also composed. In the gospel passage that we just heard we
meet three characters who connect the three parts of the story. Although Simeon is not mentioned in the Old
Testament, he is like many pious men who lived before Christ. He has patiently waited for God to save his
people. Mary has a central role in the
birth of Jesus and will be seen also in the Acts of the Apostles. The one actor who is met here as well as throughout
the three volumes is the Holy Spirit.
His presence assures that God is in control of the action.
When Simeon sees Jesus, he calls him “the light to the
nations.” He recognizes that Jesus will
do more than offer salvation to the people of Israel; he will reconcile all
nations of the earth under God. In this
way he fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, “One nation shall not raise the sword against
another, nor shall they train for war again.”
Simeon says some enigmatic words to Mary: “…and you yourself a sword
will...” We are used to thinking of this prophecy as referring to Mary’s witnessing
the death of her son on the cross.
However, the experts say they more likely refer to Mary being tested like
everyone else as for or against the light of the world. Of course, she proves herself with the light
as she is the first to listen to the word of God and to put it into practice.
We finish the story of salvation by imitating Mary. We want to faithfully keep God’s laws but not
in the sense that we fear doing something wrong. Rather we will keep the new law of love which
Jesus has given. We will amplify his
light in the world by refusing to treat anyone with indifference, much less
hatred. We will make his light shine by having patience and compassion for all.
