28
Dec
Dec
Reflection: Luke 2:22-35
“Now I can die!” This is how the Gospel presents the serene figure of Simeon, in vivid contrast to the tortured Herod, slayer of the Innocents, who got a mention in the Gospel yesterday. Herod’s death became legendary for its awfulness. But Simeon can teach us how to approach death: how not to see death as an enemy, “the prince of terrors,” how not to define it as the destruction of life, but to welcome it as a culmination, a completion. If we have not lived our lives faithfully and fruitfully, we will be terrified of death. If Simeon could approach death so peacefully, he must have lived a deep life: unlike Herod, he must have fought the war within, and come to peace with himself, with others and with God. “Now, Lord, you can let your servant go in peace.” Simeon’s canticle is a beautiful closing of the day: a lesson on how to end things, how to approach the end of life and how to take one’s leave. He is prepared for a peaceful departure. He spent his entire life in waiting for the consolation of the people of Israel. His waiting reached a blessed end when Jesus entered temple with his parents. He was able to experience the fulfilment of God’s promises because his whole life was in resonance with God’s voice The story of Simeon teaches that our hopes will be realized someday if not immediately and God will fulfil every one of his promises. But God’s ways do not always correspond our ways. Simeon was waiting for the glorious Messiah of Israel. “My eyes have seen the salvation, which you have made ready in the sight of the nations, a light of revelation for the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel” in a weak defenceless child. Simeon shows us how to end each day, a year and our life itself in peace with God. Simeon personifies the history of Israel. He represents a people, who in spite of all the conflicts and deviations from faith and God, continued to trust in the new future that God had promised them. He personifies the story of any person in search, with the possibility of welcoming Emmanuel – God-with-us and announcing the novelty of his Kingdom. We need more elders like Simeon. Also young and middle-aged ‘Simeons’. That from the experience of a life lived in confidence and faith, they transmit that confidence and faith to those who come from behind. Do you believe that you too can be a Simeon?