We all konw the joy of the shepherds upon seeing the new born child, wrapped in swadling clothes in the manger. We all know the excitement of the wise men who travelled from the East following a bright star that led them to the King of kings. But seldom do we hear about the joy of Simeon.
Jesus was brought by Mary and Joseph to the temple to be presented to the Lord according to the law of Moses. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, filled with the Holy Spirit, received the child into his hands and burst into prayer, "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation." [Lk 2:29-30] There was so much joy in Simeon's heart, after all the waiting for the Messiah, that death becomes a welcome experience. Seeing the saviour is enough. He longs for nothing more, waiting for no one else. Fulfillment has come. Satisfaction has arrived. As if saying, "Okey na Lord. Puede mo na akong kunin!"
Every year we celebrate Christmas. We have used to the atmosphere of Christmas, to the lights, to the celebrations, to the practices and traditions, to a point that the joy of the season becomes ordinary and usual. The joy of Simeon brings back the original joy of the mystery of incarnation - a joy that fills the heart wil excitement, contentment and fulfillment to a point that one can say, "Okey na. Puede nang mamatay."
Ang lahat ay masaya kapag panahon ng Pasko. Pero anung klaseng saya? Kasing saya ba ng kagalakan ni Simeon?
