Prophecies – Luke 2:22-39
Contemplation
Mary and Joseph are going to Jerusalem to the great Temple to give thanks for the birth of Jesus. The Temple is a very large building which covers blocks and blocks of the city. People bustle and crowd through the courts, and there are sounds of prayers and smells of incense. The family walk through the huge courtyards all full of different people talking in many languages and take birds and animals to sacrifice in thanks to God. Suddenly they are stopped by two very old and very holy people. A man named Simeon tells them that the Holy Spirit has led him here because he has been told that he will not die until he sees the One who God has chosen. Now, he holds the baby and says he is happy to go in peace because he has seen the one he was waiting for. Mary and Joseph are amazed. They are also a little worried when he says that Mary’s heart will feel as though someone has stabbed it! While they are still trying to understand this, an old prophet called Anna comes past. She also praises the little boy and tells everyone who will listen that he will save Jerusalem.
What do Mary and Joseph see, smell, touch and hear? How do they react to Simeon and Anna?
How do Simeon and Anna feel? Who else listens to them?
How do I speak and listen to others?