The prophecy of Simeon.

It would be tough to imagine a group of people, after committing original sin, without laws, commands, and ordinances to help guide the actions of life. They become a guide, a direction, a help. Laws must not harm. Though they often carry penalties and punishments, we understand them as beneficial to society.

The Church has its regulations, laws, and teachings, but they do not deprive us of freedom of decision. Every person who uses reason and free will must be aware of the rewards or punishments of their life. This Gospel, too, tells us of the Mosaic Law’s ordinance concerning the day of purification, which is, “Every male that opens his mother’s womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and that they should offer, as the Law of the Lord preaches, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons” (Lk. 2:23).

The Law of Moses is also known to Mary and Joseph, who are married before the world. They know about the Law God gave to Moses that “whatever is the firstborn among your animals and whatever is male shall belong to the Lord” The Law continues, “Every firstborn of your children you shall redeem. And when in the future your son asks you, “What does this mean?”, you shall answer him thus: “By a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Because Pharaoh was reluctant to let us go, the Lord slew every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of men to the firstborn of cattle. Now, therefore, I sacrifice to the Lord everything that opens the womb if it is male, and I redeem every firstborn Son of mine.” (Ex. 13:12-14). This is a sign that the Lord has brought the nation out of Egypt. Moses in the Book of Leviticus also specifies the time of purification. It was on the fortieth day after the birth of a boy and the eightieth day after the birth of a girl. During all this time, the mother did not show herself in public. The mother considered herself Levitical unclean for 40 days after the boy’s birth and therefore underwent the rite of purification in the temple. Also, by this provision, the Law reminded the Jews of the widespread nature of sin to arouse a desire for spiritual cleansing.

Mary was conceived without sin, became a mother in a supernatural and holy manner, and was therefore not sinful, and so was not subject to the rite of purification. Nevertheless, she submits to this ordinance out of humility and obedience to the sacred Law not to offend anyone. On the fortieth day after giving birth, she goes to the temple to undergo the ceremony and offer 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 given two turtledoves or two pigeons for the gift. In Jerusalem, there lived a man named Simeon, a righteous and religious man, who looked for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit revealed 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 were bringing the child Jesus to fulfill the Law, he took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “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 the face of all nations: a light for the enlightenment of the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel your people.” (Lk 2:29-32). We see that Joseph is referred to as the “father” of Jesus, even though in reality he is only the tutor. Simeon’s words speak of the future persecution of this “child.” When they persecute the Son, his mother will suffer as well. There will be a sorting of the spirits in Israel and all humanity. People will be divided: some will follow Jesus, others will oppose him, to their detriment and destruction. Jesus himself later confirmed Simeon’s words during his appearance: “I have come to set a son against his father, a daughter against her mother…” (Mt 10:35). Jesus also says of himself: “It is not peace that I have brought, but a sword.” (Mt 10:34). The Law of Jesus can be known by every cultured person today. None of us can pretend not to know it. We also know that ignorance does not excuse ignorance.

We can take encouragement from today’s saint – Thomas Becket, and the martyrs under King Henry II. Thomas is his best friend. He makes him chancellor, and together, they oppress the Church. After the death of the aged Bishop of Canterbury, though Thomas resists, the King appoints him Bishop. Thomas changes. It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that he receives at his priestly and episcopal ordination. Friends become enemies, but only on the King’s side. Thomas defends the Church with his own life. He was once opposed, he burned for the King, but after his ordination, he burned only for the honor and glory of God. He was forced to flee to England. As a monk, he lives in France. But his place is at home, in England. Here he dies on the altar steps under the knights’ swords. The King recovers and repents.

The lesson for us: always remain faithful to God’s laws, even when we have to make sacrifices or even die.