St Luke 2: 21 – 35
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘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.’
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
Reflection
Many of us harbour secrets, not just from others but from ourselves. When this is taken to excess, we are in danger of creating an inner darkness, which at its worst can make us feel fearful, isolated, and in need of healing, even though this isn’t how we want to live.
We may fear the light of exposure, but there’s a softer light, the “light for revelation” that Simeon spoke of. This light, brought by Jesus, brings peace, healing, and life. Simeon experienced this light when he held Jesus and spoke of seeing salvation. Others in the Bible also encountered this light, revealing their inner truths and leading them to transformation.
This light of revelation also shines on our hidden selves, revealing our deepest desires and fears. It invites us to open our hearts, face our inner darkness, and let go of secrets. This is how we can move towards wholeness and live authentically.
We may carry guilt, shame, or unfulfilled dreams within us. We may hide our true selves for fear of rejection, or because it seems too good to be true; but knowing our deepest desires is sacred. It’s like Simeon’s meeting with Jesus, where our old lives meet new life, and we encounter salvation.
What if today you brought your secret into the light for revelation? What might you see?
This gentle light will not betray or accuse you. Instead, it reveals love, peace, forgiveness, reconciliation, mercy, compassion, healing, wholeness, acceptance, beauty, hope, and new life.
That’s what Simeon saw in the temple, and there’s no reason it cannot be what we see. This light, by revealing our innermost thoughts, leads us to a sacred meeting place within ourselves, where we encounter the transformative love and acceptance of Jesus.
Prayer
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.