Todays readings.. Leviticus 19, Psalm 119: 81-128, Luke 2
“SO THAT THOUGHTS FROM MANY HEARTS MAY BE REVEALED”
Many of the thoughts we have in our hearts are personal, we keep them to ourselves; but are they useful, are they productive? Could they sometimes be the starting point for prejudices we develop? They can be – unless our thoughts are constantly fed and influenced by God’s word which alone feeds us with divine thoughts and perceptions.
We meditate on God’s words through Isaiah. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts…. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [55 v.8,9] Our mind flowed along these lines after reading the account in today’s 2nd chapter of Luke’s gospel of the words of Simeon who “was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” [v.25]
Simeon was in the Temple when Mary and Joseph “brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” [v.27-32]
The complete fulfilment of Simeon’s words is now surely near, but our thoughts – and meditation – are attracted most of all by Simeon’s words to Mary, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed … so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” [v.34,35]
The words of Jesus challenged the “thoughts” of human hearts then – and still does today. The ultimate fulfilment of Simeon’s prophecy – will be when Jesus returns! Contemplate the nature of the “thoughts” that will “be revealed” in that day! How few will have “thoughts” that will be uplifted in welcoming wonderment! For some – including ourselves – those with a fully committed faith – it will bring joy far greater than we can presently imagine.
