"Simeon was a holy and devout man who looked for the redemption of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was with him" (antiphon, morning prayer, Feast of the Presentation). Simeon praises God for allowing him to see the Christ, the One who was sent to bring God's mercy to the world: "My eyes have seen the salvation which You have prepared in the sight of all nations. A light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel" (Luke 2:30-32).
Today we rejoice with Simeon and Anna, and look forward through his prophecy, and with Mary, to the Cross whose the path we will soon begin to travel. (Picture: Fra Giovanni da Fiesole [a.k.a. Beato Angelico] San Marco, Florence).
