The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
I love this Lucan passage! There is the
Canticle of Simeon, which has been chanted at compline since around 1552, the
Lucan theme of universality, and the typical Lucan diptych of Man and Woman.
And because I have been pondering this
"passing-on" business (as in passing on faith, not death;) I am drawn
to the narration of a family grounded in a deep tradition that gives bones and
sturdiness to this life. I love the contrast between Simeon and Anna.
Simeon notices, pronounces, and gives prophesy. Anna gives thanks
and begins to preach "to all who were awaiting." Two different
responses to a revelation.
It isn't constant...but I have Anna-Simeon moments.
What is my response to the recognition of Christ in my life or of my life in
Christ's? Or a recognition of Christ present in my neighbor, in the
stranger, in creation...how about then?
I want to make those times food-energy for my own
discipleship. But I can't just store it up. It has a shelf-life;)
But the not-cool thing is that the lectionary
gives the option to leave out the Anna part! Luke gives us so many details about her...clearly a sign that she is to be paid attention to! I try not to get too upset
about these things but those couple of verses are simply vital to the
episode...and already too many voices of biblical women are excised!
Don't excise her!
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