 |
| Image by Dennis Jarvis |
†
Station 1: Jesus is recognized as the Messiah
by Simeon and Anna
†
A GREETING
Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise.
(Psalm 119:41)
A READING
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. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 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, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’
(Luke 2:25-32)
MUSIC
Sung in Latin, the text is the 'Nunc Dimitis', Simeon's prayer in Luke 2.
A MEDITATIVE VERSE
‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—
and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
(Luke 2:35)
A POEM
Before the time of cords and scourges and lamentation
Grant us thy peace.
Before the stations of the mountain of desolation,
Before the certain hour of maternal sorrow,
Now at this birth season of decease,
Let the Infant, the still unspeaking and unspoken Word,
Grant Israel’s consolation
To one who has eighty years and no to-morrow.
- from "A Song for Simeon" by T.S. Eliot
VERSE OF THE DAY
At that moment [the prophet Anna] came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
(Luke 2:38)
†
 |
| "Center Christ" by Lauren Wright Pittman (Licensed for web. Read the Artist's Reflection) |
In today’s reading, Simeon and Anna, two elders of the community, recognize Jesus as the Messiah that has been promised through the scriptures to the Israelites. This seemingly private family moment, in which Jesus is circumcized according to Jewish law, becomes suddenly public, and inspires Simeon to pray out loud with joy. His prayer is closely followed by Anna's deep gratitude. As the artist Lauren Wright Pittman who made today's painting writes in her notes (see link above), everyone in the scene arrives to it after a period of 'waiting': Simeon and Anna have waited and longed for a messiah; Mary and Joseph have waited to see how their own encounters with prophetic messengers might be fulfilled.
In the surrounding world of the holy family, however, this event holds the potential for political repercussions. It is around this time in Jesus’ young life that King Herod is told of his birth by the Magi. Although the slaughter of the infants does not appear in Luke's narrative, the events must have been close in time. From the moment of his birth, Jesus is dangerous to those in authority, and therefore Jesus himself becomes endangered.
In our own time and in the religion of Buddhism, the selection of a Dalai Lama is traditionally achieved by a series of signs that flow out of the death of the previous Lama. Monastic leaders familiar with the process pursue young children born at a certain time and provide tests for them to determine whether the Lama’s reincarnation has been found. The Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950s, however, forced the current Dalai Lama into exile where he has remained ever since. In 2010, the Chinese government announced that they will name the Dalai Lama’s inheritor, and the traditional process will be thwarted.
Being named as a spiritual leader, even before that leadership has begun, brings the promise of change and therefore a disruption of power. As Mary and Joseph navigate the meaning of what they hear from their elders, we hear that they are 'amazed' by these proceedings. The word holds both wonder and fear. Simeon has warned them that there will be strife and loss of life. In this moment, however, there is only love and joy. Love is conquering fear in a way that encourages Mary and Josepth to remain commmitted to the journey they must make.
So many human beings engaged in work they believe in, from providing aid in war zones to being activists under oppressive regimes -- live with the constant threat of danger to their lives. Their sense of purpose continues to drive them onward. How are we driven onward with purpose as disciples of Jesus? What inspires us to keep going in faith to work for justice, amid all the challenges of our contemporary world?
 |
| Image by Wonderland |
†
LC† Before the Cross is a project of Lutherans Connect, supported by the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Centre for Spirituality and Media at Martin Luther University College. To receive the devotions by email, write to lutheransconnect@gmail.com. The devotional pages are written and curated by Deacon Sherry Coman, with support and input from Pastor Steve Hoffard, Catherine Evenden and Henriette Thompson. Join us on Facebook, and on Twitter. Lutherans Connect invites you to make a donation to the Ministry by going to this link on the website of the ELCIC Eastern Synod and selecting "Lutherans Connect Devotionals" under "Fund". Devotions are always freely offered, however your donations help to support extended offerings throughout the year. Thank you and peace be with you!
