THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

It is widely accepted that at the Presentation in the Temple the Prophet Simeon was inspired by the Holy Spirit to hear in the cry of a child the presence of the Messiah.     But there may well be a more down to earth explanation.    We know that Mary lived as a girl in the Temple for at least ten years and she and Simeon would probably have known one another.

Simeon and Mary had something in common.  They both through their reading of scripture knew that the time for the birth of the Messiah had arrived.   Mary wanted to help the chosen Jewish girl in the birth and the raising of the Saviour and Simeon had just wanted  to see him before he died.     So when Mary left the Temple as all young girls did when they reached womanhood she would have said goodby to Simeon and discussed their hope in their wishes being fulfilled.

Imagine the astonishment of Simeon then when he saw Mary in the Temple and she had related her story to him of the Angel Gabriel and the birth of Jesus.   What a wonderful gift Mary had brought to him, and yet he too knowing scripture told his young friend of the sword of sorrow which awaited her.  

Mother of Sorrows pray for us.


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