Thoughts for the Day

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Years ago I took a service at Croome D'Abitot church, situated in the grounds of Croome Court in Worcestershire. No longer a parish church, it's cared for by the The Churches Conservation Trust, but it's open for worship once a year. That day the west doors were open to let light in as there was no electricity in the building. From the altar I had the most amazing view as the sun came out to shine over the countryside on the valley beyond. It was a truly magical experience.

This day came to mind when looking at Luke's account of the baby Jesus being taken to the Temple in Jerusalem so that his parents might fulfil their religious obligations. While there they meet Simeon. This godly man we are told, is inspired by the Holy Spirit to go to the Temple, and while there he recognises the tiny baby as God's Messiah who will be a 'light to the gentiles'

John Trapp, a parishioner, born on 5th June 1601 in the parish of Croome D'Abitot centuries later, was to write this poem, putting these words into Simeon's mouth:

“I fear no sin, I dread no death;
I have lived long enough, I have my life;
I have longed enough, I have my love;
I have seen long enough, I have my light;
I have served enough, I have my saint;
I have sorrowed enough, I have my joy;
Sweet babe, let this psalm serve as a lullaby to thee,
and for a funeral for me.
Oh, sleep in my arms, and let me sleep in thy peace.”

May God give to each one of us today such certainty of the Truth.

Heavenly Father,
as You called Simeon
to welcome and bless Your Son,
and to recognise him as the Messiah,
so we ask for such certainty
concerning our faith.
May we welcome Your Son
into our home this day,
and into our life for good.
Amen.