Clarity

Don't we all wish that we could see clearly, without the blindness of our own biases or self-centeredness? Perhaps we'll never be so blessed, but Simeon, an elderly man who lived "in the Spirit," was gifted with a promise to see the salvation of Israel before his death and did so in today's Gospel passage.  He recognizes the child as the Savior, gives God praise and thanks and further warns Mary of the suffering she will endure as she shares the sufferings of her Son. It was the Spirit speaking through him:  a call to us to live more in the Spirit so that we might see with greater clarity the plan of God and accept whatever suffering we are bearing or will be asked to bear. As we ponder the mystery and miracle of Christmas (the Incarnation), may we learn to be as open to God's plan as were Simeon and Mary.
Bro. Rene