Meditation on the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of Our Lord: Presentation/Nunc Dimittis: “I Could Just Die Now” They brought the offering of the poor. They could only afford the turtle doves. But it was an offering commanded in the Law — for the life of every firstborn Israelite belonged to Yahweh and had to be redeemed, ever since the firstborn of Egypt died in the Exodus. Yet even as they purchased the offering and entered the Temple precincts, they knew that that the real offering was not the birds, but the Babe. He would be the Offering to end all offerings. In Him the Law would be fulfilled. They thought that they and a handful of others were the only ones in the know. But then they see him — according to tradition, an old man. He is not looking at them. He is looking at the Babe in Mary’s arms. And he is coming across the courtyard with the familiar look on his face. Mary had seen it before. It was on the face of Elizabeth when she visited her and Elizabeth looked in awe at her swelling womb. It was on the face of the shepherds when they knelt beside the manger and told her of the angels and their words and song. Now it was on the face of this old man as he hurried toward them, aged arms outstretched, reaching for the Child. Mary would not give her precious package up lightly to anyone, but she saw and understood the look. Yet another one in the know. Yet another one who realized that Mary was holding THE offering, the Child that would bring to an end man’s long exile and open wide the way home to the Father’s house. She knows she can safely give Him into old Simeon’s arms. He’s been waiting a lifetime. Simeon holds the Child, looks into his infant face, and he begins to pray. Not to any other, but to Him, to the Child in his arms: “Now, Lord! Now you can let your servant go in peace. I’ve seen Your salvation. A light for the Gentiles. Glory for your people Israel.” Which is all to say: “I can just die now.” Now that I know that the Death...
Posted on: Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:01:05 +0000