Lessons from Simeon on Waiting for Jesus!

Friday, December 29, 2023

1 Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35

The Christmas octave gives us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Simeon. 

The description of Simeon is inspirational. He was ‘righteous and devout.’ The Holy Spirit was upon him. He had the revelation of the Holy Spirit about the coming of Christ. He came into the temple in the Spirit. 

Simeon teaches us some important lessons. 

1.Simeon was waiting in hope. The Bible reads that Simeon was ‘awaiting’ the consolation of Israel. He believed in God’s promises and was waiting in hope. That is when his meeting with Jesus takes place.

2. Simeon was waiting for Jesus. In his profound faith, Simeon knew that Israel’s consolation was not an event or a spectacle. It was a person called Jesus whom he was fortunate enough to hold in his arms. 

3. Simeon showed that Jesus is worth waiting for. He waited only for the Lord all his life. His life was marked by this singular purpose. That was why he wanted to die in peace, moments after meeting with the Lord. He witnessed Israel’s consolation. He was sure that the whole of Israel would witness its consolation too. 

Let us imitate Simeon’s model of faith, passion, and patience!

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar