Feb 2 - Feast of the Presentation

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…Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
—and you yourself a sword will pierce—
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”… (Luke 2: 34-35)
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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s Gospel from Luke recounts the scene of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple. Perhaps you, as I have, pondered this scene many times and continue to seek more knowledge from the Holy Spirit to understand the mysteries presented in God’s Holy Word. This morning, I am again pondering the sword that pierced Mary. Certainly on Calvary, when Jesus’ Heart was pierced physically, her maternal heart “felt” spiritually a pain we can hardly imagine. But there is much more than that one action of a soldier’s sword to be pondered here, it seems to me.

The prophet Simeon is foretelling the destiny of the Child Jesus as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah. Many in Israel will fall or rise as they contradict or accept Jesus. Many hearts will be revealed as hearts who have no room for Him or hearts who are open to welcome Him. There will be voices coming from some hearts crying, “Crucify Him”, while there will be one crucified next to Him who will say, “We are punished justly for we are getting what our deeds deserve, but this man did nothing wrong. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”.

Mary kept all that Jesus said and did in her heart and she worshipped Him within. St. Louis de Montfort wrote a beautiful description of how she helps us to discern our own hearts, how we can open ourselves to the Holy Spirit so that our hearts may be revealed and we may strive more earnestly to be one with the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. In paragraph 213, of his book, True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary the saint wrote:
By the light which the Holy Spirit will give you through Mary, his faithful spouse, you will understand your own evil, the evil inclinations of your fallen nature and how incapable you are of any good apart from that which God produces in you as Author of nature and of grace…the humble Virgin Mary will share her humility with you so that, although you regard yourself with distaste and desire to be disregarded by others, you will not look down slightingly upon anyone.
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Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart, make our hearts like Yours.
Mary, our Mother and Model, “lend us your heart” (cf. paragraph 266 of True Devotion).
Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of Your Faithful, kindle in us the Fire of Your Love.
 
Blessed Feast of the Presentation of The Lord/Candlemas Day to all.
 
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