By John Desing csc –
Readings: 1Jn 2:3-11; Lk 2:22-35
In my daily life, I come across people who are nice and pleasant to some people but behave differently to the rest. John the Evangelist would call such people of contradictory attitudes ‘liars’. In such a context, a question arises in me whether I practice the virtues of love and kindness and am I being considerate to everyone or not?
To love God is to express love for our fellow human beings as God himself has first loved us. The discourse on the Presentation of Jesus in the temple tells us about the moral responsibility that parents have over children towards fostering faith and values. More than an obligation, it is a call and commitment for parents to create an environment that enhances various dimensions of the lives of their children.
At the same time, children are not a property of parents but God’s gift to the family. Mary and Joseph entered the temple with joy but came out confused and anxious after hearing the prophecy of Simeon. This is an indication that God’s will and plan is supreme, and we need to submit our plans to his. Complete submission to God’s will is possible only when we truly love God more than anything else. In other words, we give to God the best in us. As Simeon recognized the light of revelation in child Jesus, we are also called to see the presence of God in the simplicity, humility, and tenderness of children and old people.
As we continue to battle against COVID-19 many of us have given up hope because we do not know when this pandemic will end. However, Simeon’s steadfast hope and trust in God’s timing teaches us that in faith our hope will be realized someday, if not immediately. No darkness can dim the light of Christ.