Listen and Be Led
According to the Natural Institute of Health, the brain “rewires itself to enhance other senses in blind people.” One can’t help but wonder if Simeon’s physical blindness enhanced his ability to listen to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that conceived Jesus in Mary’s womb, led Simeon into the temple to meet Him. This encounter not only brought Simeon consolation in the fulfilment of God’s promise to him, but also amazement to Mary and Joseph. In spite of the challenges that they faced in their respective journeys, Simeon, Mary, and Joseph each exercised courage, deep trust, and patience. Certainly, these were fruits born out of their collaboration with the Spirit.
There is much to ponder and analyze in this Gospel passage. However, for those of us who may get into our heads and frequently ask “What does this mean?”, today’s Gospel may be inviting us into deeper attunement to the Holy Spirit. Rather than spiraling on our own about what incidents or messages may mean, could we instead pray to the Holy Spirit to give us a spirit of wisdom and understanding about what God wants to reveal to us? Could we ask the Holy Spirit to help us encounter the infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph this Christmas season like we never have before? Could we ask for the grace to let go of distractions and worries to enhance our own sense of the Spirit?
Lord, help us to follow the example of Simeon and Your beloved parents, listening to the promptings of the spirit that lead us to embrace You this Christmas season, in the coming year, and throughout our pilgrimage to heaven.
Guadalupe De La O-González