Today we recall the meeting of the Infant Christ by the righteous Simeon and the prophetess Anna in the Jerusalem temple.

He was brought there by the Most Holy Virgin and Joseph to «do everything according to the law of the Lord.»

He, who gave the law, now, again, as well as in Circumcision, Himself executes it as a human child “to redeem those under the law”, as St. Apostle Paul says (Gal. 4, 5).

The righteous and pious elder Simeon thanks God for fulfilling his long-standing aspirations — “to see Christ the Lord.” The most pious and righteous aspirations of people of the Old Testament have met their fulfillment in him. The meeting of the two covenants, two testaments it was!

The one Who holds everything in His right hand, now, having become a baby, lies in the hands of the old man, and in the Holy Spirit he sees in Him «the salvation of God prepared before all nations, the light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of the people of Israel.» (Luke 2, 30-32)

“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many…, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.” (Luke 2, 34-35).

The Lord announced His Divine truth to everyone, but not everyone accepted it. Some believed in Him and loved His gospel, others despised and even hated. Some exclaimed: “Lord! To whom do we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6.68). “Crucify Him”, were crying the others.

Despite of the revelation of His Divine majesty — the miracles and signs performed by Him, the sublimity of His teachings, the purity of life, some hardened their hearts.

For some, the preaching of the Cross seemed foolishness, madness and temptation (1 Cor. 1: 18,23), and for others it was «God’s power and God’s wisdom» (1 Cor. 1,18,24), the Only God that is Love, the Only Hope!

The long-awaited meeting and union of the Mercy and the Truth, proclaimed in the Psalms long before! (Ps. 84,11)

“To cause the rising… the Child is destined” to those who create the works of faith — works of love, who, although falling by their infirmities, stumbling over the temptations of the world, immediately resort to the sacrament of Repentance and Holy Communion, to be renewed by this Child Who through Cross matured to Christ of the Lord.

Let us doubt and linger when doing something wrong, so that to leave space for God to give us His merciful corrections if He wills, and let us humbly accept them.

And may God grant us, to anyone in one’s own hour and time, together with the righteous God-receiver and God-Bearer, happily say: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word». Amen.