Reflections on the Sunday Readings for 12/28/08 by Dawn

You can find all of this week's Scripture at www.usccb.org/nab/122808.shtml

[Simeon] took him (Jesus) into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
Luke 2:28-32

As we were recording this week's podcast I started thinking about what it must have been like for Simeon and Anna, two people in today's Gospel. As faithful Jewish people, they had been waiting their entire lives for the coming of the Messiah. Then one day two parents bring a baby into the Temple and they know that they are in the presence of the savior of the world. What would it be like to be aware that the tiny baby you hold, probably only eight days old, is the one that your people have been awaiting for thousands of years?

On Christmas Eve, as I helped distribute Holy Communion, I remembered Simeon and Anna. The ciborium I held in my hands contained the Body of Jesus which would be given to hundreds of people. I was reminded how easy it is to take for granted what we have been given. Simeon and Anna looked into the face of the baby Jesus and knew the hope of their life had been fulfilled. We have the same ability to see and hold Christ, but in a much more astounding way through the Eucharist, yet it can become routine if we are not careful.

As I gave Holy Communion I was nearly overcome with what was occurring. Hundreds of people came through my line, each one bruised and broken in some way. As I held up the host and said "The Body of Christ", I prayed that each person might come to know and understand in new ways that God has come in human flesh so that we may be one with him.

I have that same prayer for all of us, this Christmas season - that we might be able to say, like Simeon: "... my eyes have seen your salvation... a light for revelation..."


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