The Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Lord, now let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled…

As Christmas Week unfolds we come to Saint Luke’s story of Simeon and Anna, two devout old citizens of Jerusalem.

Historically, we know that Judaism was ripe with expectation at that time. Although prophecy had ceased apocalyptic fever replaced it, replete with cryptic literature and frenzied songs. Throughout the world from India to Spain Jews expected something big to happen. It might be military, political or economic but it would certainly mean the end of exile, homelessness and suffering for the Jews. And there should be a concurrent humiliation of their enemies. It might well be a cosmic event to purify the earth, sky and waters of all evil.

Although history marched on and the Jewish religion evolved in other directions, Christianity assumed that mantle of anxious, eager expectation as our birthright.  It is our posture and our practice always to be ready for the Judge. When we hear Jesus' muttering “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” we decide again to be found among the faithful. 

Simeon and Anna represent that eager longing satisfied. They are the anawim, “the devout poor,” who await God’s mercy. Ignored and despised by the powerful, the influential and the intelligentsia, they cultivate faith in their daily life with pious practices and simple acts of kindness. They don’t expect to be wealthy. With the sages they might pray,

Lord, give me neither poverty nor riches;
   feed me with the food that I need,
or I shall be full, and deny you,
   and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’
or I shall be poor, and steal,
   and profane the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:8-9)

If they are wrongfully accused they have no legal representation to defend them. When they are robbed or attacked they receive no recompense. Powerless, the anawim know nothing of revenge. That belongs to God alone and God alone is their vindicator.

Simeon and Anna represent these beloved of God. We can easily imagine the old man holding the baby in his arms and dancing slowly, ecstatically around the temple. Anna also will coo with pleasure to look on the child.
The Lord has heard the cry of the poor. This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

As we hear the gospel today we should allow their feelings of gladness to well up in us. Whatever troubles we feel or heartaches we endure, we are also present in the temple. We witness Mary and Joseph bringing God to his temple.