+JMJ
It’s October and the month of the Holy Rosary. I love praying the Rosary and it is a great place to start scripture meditation, and hopefully, contemplative prayer.
So, I would like to share a contemplation from the Mystery of the Presentation in the Temple.
The Presentation in the Temple
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, just as it is written in the low of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the LOrd,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name is Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Isreal, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Mesiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him, he took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your sevant go in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which you preparedin sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for Your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about Him; and Simeon blessed themand said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. -Luke 2:22-38
Answered Prayers
I put myself into the scene as Anna and the Lord blessed me with this contemplation:
I imagine each day I would watch every parent bring their sons into the temple to be presented before Simeon. There is a decently long line every day with the murmur of voices. The temple was filled with chatter and children crying. Always bustling and lively.
Every day I wonder about the temple praying and fasting. Begging the Lord for His Messiah. My old age made this increasingly difficult. My joints ached, my muscles were tired, and my breathing more labored. So, many people would get impatient with me as slowly as I walked around the temple.
Today, I paused to catch my breath and I notice a couple standing in line. Their son sleeping quietly in His mother’s arms. They are so very quiet and still compared to all those around them. A peace comes over me as I simply watch them. They patiently wait for their turn. The mother gazing tenderly on the face of her son.
I have been praying silently in my heart for years in the temple. But I have always felt just a little discontent. My mind always busy with thanking and imploring the Lord. As I watch them my heart grows tranquil with them. It is filled with calm and peace. My old body is soothed of all aches and pains. Each breath growing more smooth than the one before it.
When it is their turn, Simeon, announces what I feel in my heart. Our prayers have been answered.
Waiting
I am so incredibly impatient. So, the patience of Anna and Simeon, leave me in awe and maybe a little bit jealous. They waited years… and years… and years! For the coming of the Lord. Then, to think of all the people who passed and never saw Him… never knew, Jesus Christ. It makes my heart hurt.
The truth is, I am so blessed to have Jesus now. I cannot imagine being in a time where He hadn’t even come into the world yet. Anna and Simeon waited for His coming, but we, my Friends, have Him now!
Right now He is here! He is ready and waiting for you to come to Him! To get to know Him!
This is one of the most beautiful gifts we will ever be given!
Thrive In Jesus, my Friends!
How do you get to know Jesus? When did you first meet Him? What is keeping you from getting to know Him? I would love to hear from you so leave a comment!