Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas [202] 1 John 2:3-11 Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6 Luke 2:22-35

Celebrating Christmas Daily Christmas Prayer Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer Student Daily Reflection

We can learn a lot from Simeon. In today’s Gospel, we learn he was a man who was righteous and devout who was told by the Holy Spirit that he wouldn’t die before he had seen Christ the Lord.  Simeon listened to God, listened to the Holy Spirit. He trusted God and trusted the Holy Spirit. He was in the right place at the right time so that promise could be fulfilled: He was able to hold the baby Jesus in his arms and see the face of God. Imagine that. Anytime I hold a baby, I feel as if I am in the presence of God. Life is such a miracle, especially as reflected in a baby’s tiny nose, the exquisite fingers and toes, the soft skin and downy hair (if there is any!) on a baby’s head.

I am sure Simeon felt those human things, but the Holy Spirit enabled him to see and feel more. We hear him as he holds the baby and blesses God. He also tells Mary and Joseph a little of what they can expect. I think Mary and Joseph still were coming to grips with their new family, much like any parents with a new baby. But these parents have the added joy and responsibility and in time, sorrow for his suffering that their son is the light of the world.

Like Simeon, I can heed the Holy Spirit and cradle Jesus in my heart and in my actions. The first reading from John reminds us that to be in the light, we have to follow the commandments and love our brothers. That’s my prayer today.  And as the Psalm rejoices, let us sing a new song and rejoice in that love.