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THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD: OUR SIMEON MOMENTS AND OUR ENCOUNTERS WITH GOD

Writer's picture: Vincent  ArisukwuVincent Arisukwu

An "encounter with God" is defined as a personal, transformative experience where an individual feels a direct presence of God. Feelings of peace, joy, or revelation often accompany this. Encounters can happen through prayer, scripture study, or worship. We also have everyday moments where individuals recognize God's work in their lives and feel his profound presence, sometimes unexpected. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that throughout salvation history, God has revealed himself in various words and deeds (CCC 69). And he did so definitively through his divine Son, Jesus Christ (CCC 65). Is it possible to reflect on how we encounter God in our various life experiences?

 

Interestingly, God is the one who initiates the encounter with us. God desires us to experience the gift of Christ his Son and be saved. In the Letter to the Hebrews, we read, “Since the children share in the blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them” (Heb. 2:14). First is that Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father. He is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, God the Son. Yet, by taking our human nature, God grants humanity the privilege of a unique encounter in Christ. Scripture states, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14). Jesus shares in our “blood and flesh” (Heb. 2:14) to free us from fear and death, more so, that we may embrace grace and truth.

 

The gospel highlights Simeon this way, “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (Lk. 2:25). Why can’t this be said of you, “Now there was a man/woman in Jerusalem (your city) whose name was Simeon (your name).” Isn’t God desiring the same joy for you as he desired for Simeon? What is it that hinders this joy from being complete in your life?

 

Simeon’s joy is complete as he beholds the infant Jesus. His faithfulness and devoutness pay off. Simeon’s commitment to the gospel is radically revealed. His exclamation, “Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation,” reveals an ecstasy of a fulfilled expectation. Simeon’s experience can be likened to Adam’s aha when God brought the woman to him, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Gen. 2:23). Adam thanks God for the privilege of encountering Him and for establishing the covenant of love with him. Simeon thanks God for making him experience the light of Christ, the New Covenant of God’s love, and the glory of his people Israel.

 

It might be important to ask the question, “Where does my encounter with God happen? What feelings does such a moment produce in my life?” God encounters us every day, sometimes in little things, at other times, in significant ways. He encounters us in other human beings. He encounters us in the poor before us. He encounters us through our work. He encounters us in the weather. He encounters us in the opportunities to bear witness with our faith. Significantly, God encounters us in the sacraments of the Blessed Eucharist and the graces of the Confession. Whether we understand the magnitude of these moments is something that calls for a deeper reflection. Yet, He invites us to experience Jesus in a way that radically changes us.

 

I would like to invite you to think about your “Simeon moment” this week. Discover an experience that will produce an ecstasy, an encounter that will make you say, “Ahaa, my eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord.” The encounter might be you bringing Jesus to others or experiencing Jesus in a personal way. It might be letting go of a hurt that you have held for a very long time. It might be granting forgiveness for someone that you have struggled with for years. It might be picking up your phone to call someone who is lonely, someone you have intentionally ignored because of the burden he/she places on you. It might be stretching a helping hand to an elderly neighbor. It might be reaching out to support the homeless during this week. It might also be making up your mind to volunteer in a ministry in your church.

 

God might also be inviting you to a special encounter with him through an extra commitment to your prayer life, making time to speak with him in the quietness of your busy schedule. It might be an invitation to receive the Blessed Eucharist in a state of grace more than as a routine. It might be an invitation to attend the sacrament of reconciliation and pour out your hearts before the priest. That encounter might also be an invitation to sit down and reflect on a passage of the scripture and to meditate on God’s word speaking to you. There is always a feeling of peace, joy, or revelation that comes with this Simeon moment. It is the exclamation that says, “At last all-powerful masters… now you can let your servant go in peace.” God desires to give us freedom.


Readings: 1st- Mal. 3:1-4; 2nd- Heb. 2:14-18; Gospel- Lk. 2:22-40

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