Simeon’s prophecy

Simeon’s prophecy
It would be tough to imagine a group of people after committing an inherited sin without laws, orders, and regulations that help control life’s deeds. They become a guide, guide, help. Laws must not harm. Although they often carry sanctions, punishments, we see them as useful to society.

The Church also has its rules, laws, and teachings, which do not detract from our freedom of choice. Every person who uses reason and free will must be aware of the reward or punishment for his life. This gospel also tells us about the commandment of the law of Moses on the day of purification, which reads: “All the male race that opens the womb of the mother shall be consecrated to the Lord” and to sacrifice, as the Lord’s law preaches, 23).

The law of Moses is also known to Mary and Joseph, who are married before the world. They know of the Law that God gave to Moses that “what shall be the firstborn among your beasts, and what shall be of the male sex, all shall be the Lord’s business.” The law continues: And it shall come to pass, when thy son shall ask thee, saying, What meant thou? “Now, therefore, I sacrifice to the Lord all things that open the womb if they are male, and I redeem every one my firstborn son” (Ex 13: 12-14). This is to be a sign that the Lord has brought the nation out of Egypt. In the Book of Leviticus, Moses also determines the time of purification, which was on the fortieth day after the boy’s birth and the eighty days after the birth of the girl. And by this provision, the law reminded the Jews of the general prevalence of sin to arouse a desire for mental purification.

Mary was conceived without sin, became a mother in a supernatural and holy way, so she was not sinful accordingly, so she was not subject to the purification rite. Nevertheless, out of humility and obedience to the sacred Law, she obeys this provision to offend anyone. She goes to the temple on the fortieth day after giving birth to undergo the ceremony and sacrifice her Son to God. We see that the poverty of the Holy Family is also manifested in the sacrifice of purification. The rich were to sacrifice a lamb. The poorer families were allowed relief and were to sacrifice two doves or two doves. In Jerusalem lived a man named Simeon, a righteous and religious man, awaiting Israel’s comfort, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not die until he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Led by the Holy Spirit, he entered the temple. And when the parents brought the baby Jesus to fulfill the Law, he took him in his arms and glorified God with the words, “Now, Lord, you will release your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before all nations. to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel thy people ”(Lk 2: 29-32). We see that Joseph is referred to as the “father” of Jesus, when in fact he is only an educator. Simeon’s words speak of the future persecution of this “child.” When they persecute the Son, his mother will also suffer. There will be a sorting of spirits in Israel and all humanity. People will be divided: some will follow Jesus, others will oppose him, the truth, to their detriment and destruction. Jesus himself later confirmed Simeon’s words during his performance: “I came to set a son against his father, a daughter against a mother …” (Mt 10:35). Jesus will also say of himself: “I brought no peace, but a sword” (Mt 10:34). Nowadays, every cultural person can know the law of Jesus. None of us can pretend not to know him. We also know that ignorance does not justify it.

Today’s saint – Thomas Becket and martyrs under King Henry II – can also be an encouragement to us. Tomas is his best friend. They make him an office and oppress the Church together. After the death of the old Bishop of Canterbury, although Thomas defends himself, the king appoints him bishop. Tomas will change. It is the Holy Spirit’s power, which he received during his ordination to the priesthood and episcopal. Friends became enemies, but only from the king’s side. Thomas defends the Church with his own life. He was once against, he was zealous for the king, but after his ordination, he was zealous only for God’s honor and glory. He was forced to flee to England. As a monk, he lives in France. However, his place is at home, in England. Here he also dies on the steps of the altar under the swords of knights. The king recovered and repented.

The lesson for us: Always remain faithful to God’s law, even when we have to sacrifice or die.