Simeon's Song - my eyes have seen your Salvation

I once wrote a blog on Zachariah's Song. I wrote, "This has become one of my favorite songs in scripture. Like the songs of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32) and Mary (Luke 1:46-55) I just love the spontaneity of emotion, one that bursts out as deep feelings finally find a way to escape. It reflects a life full of longing and obedience which finally discovers what it's all about."

In today's Gospel reading, we listened once again to the Simeon's Song:
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)

Who is this person Simeon? Wikipedia has a very nice article on him: 

"Simeon (Simeon the God-receiver) at the Temple is the "just and devout" man of Jerusalem who, according to Luke 2:25–35, met Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as they entered the Temple to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses on the 40th day from Jesus' birth at the presentation of Jesus at the Temple. According to the Biblical account, Simeon had been visited by the Holy Spirit and told that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. On taking Jesus into his arms he uttered a prayer, which is still used liturgically as the Latin Nunc dimittis in many Christian churches, and gave a prophecy alluding to the crucifixion."

The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible commented on the two Simeon oracles found in his song/prayer:

(1) Simeon's Nunc Dimittis (Latin for "now dismiss") extols the Child as the crown of God's covenant promises. The oracle is a tapestry of Isaian prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. First, Jesus embodies God's salvation (2:30), recalling Isaiah 40:5, 46:13, and 52:9-10. He is also a light shining to the Gentiles, evoking Is 42:6 and 49:6. As Messiah, Jesus is the covenant representative who takes Israel's vocation upon himself and completes the mission that was left unfulfilled at his coming, i.e. to pour out blessings on all nations (CCC 529).

(2) Simeon's second oracle casts a shadow over the Child's future. He is the Messiah who will draw a line in the sand for Israel, causing the nation to divide itself by taking a stand for or against him (Lk 20:17-18; 1 Pet 2:6-8; CCC 587). Those who reject him stand self-condemned, while those who embrace him will be blessed (Lk 6:20-23, 46-49).

I still remember the time when Simeon's song made a really deep impression on me. I was so grateful for the salvation I received through Jesus' death on the cross, I truly felt that my life had found the pinnacle of what I had been searching for; and that it no longer mattered whether the Lord would take me home that very instant. Praise God that I continue to look forward to the "better" life to come and am much less afraid of the certain death of this body. 

The other practical application for this knowledge of the Lord is found in the second scripture passage read today. In 1 John 2:3-11 God provided a wonderful guidebook for this journey:

• Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. (vs 3)
• whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. (vs 5)
• Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. (vs 9,10)

Mary the first missionary

I am visiting my siblings in Hong Kong. My two daughters and their partners are also vacationing here at the same time. Between the walking tour in the City Central and the long hilly hike from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay we were able to piece together the old and the new Hong Kong. My sister had her second hip replaced and is recovering well after the surgery. Praise God!

I went to Mass this morning at the Epiphany Catholic Church in Mui Wo. It was a tiny parish on Lantau Island. The two priests of East Indian origin were fluent in both Cantonese and English. It was very welcoming. The homily this morning was very interesting and uplifting. Firstly, the priest talked of the three annunciations - that of Zachariah, St. Joseph, and then the Blessed Mary (all three links are worth the read!). Then Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. It's possible that the visit was prompted by the need to validate what the angel had spoken, but much more likely her long distance visit was out of compassion to help Elizabeth who was then 6 months pregnant. Two pregnancies of miraculous proportion, the teenager, still a virgin, visited a woman who was way passed the age of child bearing, The Blessed Mary, immediately after hearing the Good News went and shared it (literally bearing Jesus in her womb - the Word made flesh), with someone. Thar's why she was the first missionary. I did a quick google search and found these devotional links:

• Mary the first missionary.
 A Rosary meditation on the Visitation of Our Lady to St Elizabeth
• Jesus’ First Missionary – Mary
• Like Mary, the first Missionary

She was also referred to as the First Disciple - http://www.catholic.org/mary/firstd.php

I am writing this blog during the one-hour ferry from Mui Wo to Central Hong Kong. The scenery is spectacular:

I feel so blessed to be reminded where I have come and the glorious future yet awaiting me. I will learn from my Blessed Mother to share the Good News of Jesus to everyone I meet, especially today as I meet with so many of my siblings and their children, and even grand children. I have been praying for them daily but now I can share with them face to face. Oh may the Name of Jesus be lifted high today!