25 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. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word,
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 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 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”
Prayer Focus: When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple, they thought they knew what to expect. After all, they were following the law of Moses that they knew well. Instead, they were given a surprise blessing from a stranger. They did not know Simeon before this day, but Simeon recognized the Messiah immediately. He took the child into his arms, he praised God and blessed the holy family. What an incredible gift. Each week we come to church we may think we know what to expect from the liturgy to the sermon, and the hymns. Yet, we never know when our presence will be a blessing to someone who is gathered there with us. And in turn, when we might receive a blessing from someone else. Pray this week that as we encounter one another, we might be blessed, and that we might also be a blessing to others.
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