In today’s Gospel Luke continues the description of Jesus’ Presentation in the Jerusalem Temple. In the Infancy Narrative Luke pairs two holy and devout Jews who are full of the holy Spirit. So, we have Elizabeth and Zechariah, the parents of John the Baptist. When Mary visits Elizabeth Luke tells us that “Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,” cried out in a loud voice and said,
“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord* should come to me?” (Luke 1:41-43).
Now in the Presentation Scene we have two prophets, Anna and Simeon. They “present” Jesus to us and proclaim the Gospel. Simeon declares:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, or my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
The “prophetess, Anna” also “presents” Jesus to us. Anna was also a holy and devout Jew who “worshiped God night and day with fasting and prayer.” Luke tells us that “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Luke begins his Gospel’s Infancy Narrative with two holy Jews, Zechariah and Elizabeth who “were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.” Luke ends his Infancy Narrative with two other “righteous and devout” Jews…awaiting the consolation of Israel.” They proclaim to us that Jesus will be the source of consolation and freedom or redemption for all people. Jesus is to be a light for revelation to the Gentiles and a glorious light of revelation for Israel. Anna and Simeon proclaim to us that Jesus is for all of us, a light shining in our darkness, the true source of consolation and redemption or freedom. Let us join with the prophetess Anna and give thanks to God.
Image: “Presentation of the Lord” by Lawrence OP is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.