Blessing God – Luke 2:22-35 Reflection
In the Hebrew Scriptures of Song of Songs and the Psalms there is a glorious abundance of blessing God. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures the prophets in their own testimonies are blessing God. There is a Christian felt specific moment that merge the Hebrew Scriptures and Christian New Testament to bless God. Mary and Joseph in a traditional Hebrew practice entered the temple to bless God with gifts because of their child Jesus. In that same moment we encounter Simeon, who blesses God, Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus. It is our turn to be blessing God for all the glorious encounters with us. God bless us to have peace and love for others deep within our hearts and minds.
The Aged Simeon by James Tissot. (full-resolution image of the painting).
More detail are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Luke 2:22-35 – Scripture*
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 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. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 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, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”
33 And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 2:22-35 Reflection – Blessing God.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 2 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.