Reading from the Book of Malachi
Behold I send my angel, and he shall prepare the way before my face. And presently the Lord, whom you seek, and the angel of the testament, whom you desire, shall come to his temple. Behold he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts. And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like the fuller’s herb: And he shall sit refining and cleansing the silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold, and as silver, and they shall offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice. And the sacrifice of Juda and of Jerusalem shall please the Lord, as in the days of old, and in the ancient years.
Chapter: 3, Verses: 1 to 4
Reading from the Gospel of Hebrews
Therefore because the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself in like manner hath been partaker of the same: that, through death, he might destroy him who had the empire of death, that is to say, the devil: And might deliver them, who through the fear of death were all their lifetime subject to servitude. For no where doth he take hold of the angels: but of the seed of Abraham he taketh hold. Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful priest before God, that he might be a propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that, wherein he himself hath suffered and been tempted, he is able to succor them also that are tempted.
Chapter: 2, Verses: 14 to 8
Reading from the Gospel of Luke
And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons: And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day. Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. And the child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in him.
Chapter: 2, Verses: 22 to 40
Introduction
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord, a day commemorating the presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple and His encounter with Simeon and Anna. This moment fulfills the law and profoundly reveals God’s salvation plan. It teaches us about obedience, hope, and the light of Christ that dispels the darkness of the world.
Fulfilling the Law with Obedience
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the Mosaic Law, presenting Him to the Lord as the firstborn and offering a sacrifice. This act of obedience reflects their deep faith and submission to God’s will.
How often do we approach God in our own lives with similar humility and obedience? Mary and Joseph remind us that even the smallest acts of faithfulness are significant in God’s eyes.
Simeon: A Model of Patient Hope
Simeon had waited for years to see the promised Messiah. His patience and perseverance are inspiring. When he finally held the Christ Child, his prayer of praise, the Nunc Dimittis, revealed his joy and peace.
Simeon’s faith reminds us that God’s promises are always fulfilled in His perfect time. If we are waiting for God to act in our lives, let us take heart, knowing that He never forgets His promises.
Anna: Proclaiming the Good News
Anna, a prophetess who dedicated her life to worship and prayer, immediately recognized Jesus as the Redeemer. She responded by praising God and speaking about Him to others.
Anna’s joy and proclamation challenge us: Do we share the good news of Christ with the same enthusiasm? Her example calls us to make worship and witness central to our lives.
Christ, the Light of the World
Simeon declares that Jesus is a “light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Your people Israel.” This light is not limited to one nation or group but to the whole world.
Today, as we bless candles and reflect on Christ as the Light of the World, we are reminded of our calling to carry His light into the darkness. How can we be bearers of His light in our homes, workplaces, and communities?
Conclusion
The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord invites us to encounter Christ anew through obedience, hope, and worship. Like Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna, may we approach Him with open hearts, recognizing Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the light that guides our path.
As we go forth, let us remember the words of Simeon: “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” May we live each day with this truth shining brightly in our lives.
Call to Action
- Reflect on areas in your life where God is calling you to greater obedience.
- Ask for the patience and hope of Simeon as you wait on God’s promises.
- Share the light of Christ with someone who needs encouragement this week.
May the Meeting of the Lord inspire us to draw closer to Him and to share His light with the world.
Amen.
