Patience - A Reflection on Luke 2:33-35.

 

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.”

 

This is probably the shortest passage that we have reflected upon this year. In it, we find a man named Simeon making a prophecy about three things. One, about Jesus. Two, about the people of Israel. And three, about the pain that Jesus’ mother Mary would go through. We have seen all his prophecies came true. But who is Simeon? And what can we learn from him? Ok. On the 40th day of his birth, Jesus is taken by Mary and Joseph to the temple to be officially inducted into the Jewish faith. When they were there, a man named Simeon came in to see them.

 

He is described as “righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him” (Luke 2:25). The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When he saw Jesus, he took the baby into his arms and uttered a prayer, which is used liturgically in many Christian churches. It is known as the “Nunc dimittis”, which is Latin for “now you dismiss”. He thanked God that he could finally go to his death in peace, suggesting that Simeon had been waiting for this moment for a very long time. He was a very patient man. 

 

How are we with patience? Generally speaking we tend to be an impatient people who demand instant gratification. We don’t like to be kept waiting, not even by God, and when he doesn’t answer our prayers promptly, we often give up on him. Isn’t this true? I can’t tell you how many times I have heard somebody say, “I prayed and prayed. God didn’t answer. So I gave up on God!” Jesus told us to be persistent in asking God for the wonderful gifts he has for us (see Luke 18:1-8). That includes looking forward to his coming.

 

Simeon longed for the coming of the Lord and one can only imagine the thousands of hours he spent “looking for the consolation of Israel” —praying, waiting, being disappointed, but never giving up until he finally sees the Messiah. Can you imagine what an awesome experience it would have been for him to hold the savior of the world in his arms. Now, you know, Jesus has promised that he will return, but how many of us wait for it with the anticipation that Simeon did, praying as he did, with eagerness and excitement?

 

Hardly anybody, I think. Most scoff and say, “Where is he? It’s been two thousand years already and no sign of him.” We forget “that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day” (2 Peter 3:8). But he is never late in anything. As Peter explains, “The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

 

Let us long for his return, and while we wait, let us pray that all come to repentance. Let us also pray for the great gift of patience that Simeon had.

 

Watch a video of this reflection by Aneel Aranha here: https://youtu.be/XYGWIXP7DRA