The Way
Simeon and Anna in the Temple
A light in the eyes of two who waited a lifetime
Story
On the eighth day after his birth, the baby was circumcised and given the name Jesus, the very name the angel had spoken. When the days of purification were complete, Joseph and Mary carried the baby up to the temple in Jerusalem, to offer what the law required, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
Just then, led by the Spirit, an old man came into the temple courts. It was Simeon, a righteous and devout man. He had lived holding on to a promise, that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Simeon took the baby into his arms and praised God. Lord, now you let your servant go in peace. My eyes have seen your salvation. Then he looked at Mary and said, a sword will pierce your own heart too.
An aged widow named Anna came up to them as well. She was a prophet, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher, eighty-four years old. She never left the temple, and spent her years fasting and praying night and day. When she saw the child, her face lit up. She gave thanks to God and told about this child to everyone who was waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
Lord, now let your servant go in peace, as you promised. My eyes have seen your salvation.
This child will cause many to fall and many to rise. And your own heart will ache as if pierced by a sword.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Lk 2:21–38
Background
Leviticus 12 allows a family of limited means to offer two birds instead of a lamb. That Joseph and Mary offered birds shows that this was a poor family.
Pause and Reflect
When I have waited a long time and nothing changes, what am I holding on to?