Today's Reading - Simeon and Mary

[PeteZaHut]

What does it mean when Simeon says this to Mary?

"‘and you yourself a sword will pierce’
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

 

[NeedImprovement]

This excerpt comes from a General Audience of venerable Pope John Paul II, given June 20, 1990

vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/alpha/data/aud19900620en.html

“…One cannot fail to see the Spirit as the inspirer of this prophecy of Christ’s passion, through which he will bring about salvation. Simeon also spoke of the future sufferings of Christ in directing his thoughts to the heart of Mary, who is associated with her Son in bearing the contradictions of Israel and of the whole world. Simeon did not mention the sacrifice of the cross by name, but transferred the prophecy into the heart of Mary, who will be “pierced with a sword” as co-sharer in the sufferings of her Son.”

 

[cheeto1]

So now have “the thoughts of many hearts” been revealed?
If so, whose hearts, and what was revealed? I have always wanted to know…

 

[NeedImprovement]

Some translations render the passage, “…so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.”

I can only speak for myself here, but I’ve always thought that in the sacrament of Reconciliation, my thoughts are, in one sense, laid just about as bare as they can get.



Here’s a link to a short reflection which is somewhat similar presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=12/29/2006

 

[kkoleon]

the greek, ὅπως ἂν ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν ἐκ πολλῶν καρδιῶν διαλογισμοί. literally says, “so that the hearts of many shall be revealed”. revealed in the greek means literally to unveil, to uncover, lay open what has been veiled or covered up 1a) disclose, make bare 2) to make known, make manifest, disclose what before was unknown

 

[Reuben_J]

What does it mean when Simeon says this to Mary?

"‘and you yourself a sword will pierce’
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Hi. With Jesus nothing would be hidden, either one is for or against him. We would be judged by what’s in our heart about Jesus. Mary would see her son die on the cross and it would be like a sword piercing her heart – a mother witnessing the painful suffering and death of her child.

Later on Jesus would confirm this prophecy when he said that man will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." Luke 12:53, for his sake, as everybody would make a choice of their own whether they would be for or against Jesus. This striking choice however, eventually led to his death for there were men who rejected him and thus a sword will strike Mary’s heart.

Just a thought.

 

[thomas_jd]

" Jesus came to bring salvation to all men, yet he will be a sign of contradiction because some people will obstinately reject him - and for this reason he will be there ruin. But those who accept him with faith Jesus will be their salvation, freeing them from sin in this life and raising them up to eternal life."
The last words of the prophecy, “that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed”, link up with the first statement: uprightness or perversity will be demonstrated by whether one accepts or rejects Christ.
This is one interpation taken from the Navarre Bible. Here is another.
“that many throught their own wilful blindness and obstinancy would not believe in Christ, nor receive his doctrine, which therefore would be ruin to them; but to others a ressurection, by their believing in him, and by obeying his commandments.”
Douay Rheims footnote.
I often pray the Dolors of Mary, yet this is the first time I researched Simeons words.