Celebrating the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on a Sunday is always a great joy, because more Catholics everywhere are reminded of and confirmed in the joy of the Savior’s presence, as well as our mission to make Jesus known as “light to the nations”. I particularly like the mysterious appearances of Simeon (who says a lot) and Anna (who says some things, but we don’t have the direct words). Both of these prophets make known Jesus as Savior and light to Jerusalem and the whole world. That’s just what the world needed then, and still needs! The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple opens not only the mother’s womb as First Born, but opens Heaven and the channels of Grace to bring us there. (Note the presence of the Holy Spirit in Simeon to highlight this opening). Of course, complete opening to Heaven would occur on the Cross (once again in Jerusalem) but the promises are in full throttle from Jesus’ infancy.
This, why, I think, the waiting of Simeon and Anna are so significant. To receive the gift of salvation we need to be properly prepared in heart and mind. We need to be contemplative. Waiting makes us more contemplative. For example, in a medical waiting room people can choose to do different things as they wait, but really we’re usually reflecting on our health (or lack thereof). We may even be thinking of mortality and immortality, which can be a very good thing to reflect on. Simeon and Anna remind us of the need to be more contemplative as we await our definitive encounter with Jesus in eternity.
Let's Repent! 