The Tale of Two Simeons (Simons) -- Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

It seems that the name “Simeon” (Greek | Symeón) is a variation of the Hebrew name Simon. (cf. Acts 15:14; 2 Peter 1:1)

The elderly man named Simeon, was led by the Holy Spirit, into the temple courts. Why? He was waiting to see the consolation of Israel, in the person of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he (Simeon) would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. While in the temple courts, the Holy Family enters. Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus into the temple in accordance with the Law of Moses.

They would bring Jesus to temple every year:

Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the Feast. (Luke 2: 41, 42)

This is somewhat amazing since the seat of Herod (in Jerusalem) sought to kill the child. (cf. Matthew 2:1-23) In fact, another Herod participates in the mockery and death of the adult Jesus Christ. (cf. Luke 23: 6-12)

Simeon took the child Jesus into his arms and blessed God (both in Heaven and in His arms), saying:

Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss Your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to Your people Israel. (Luke 2: 25-33)

Jesus Christ, as an infant, is a light to the nations. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (cf. John 1:4,5)

Note: Another example where Luke’s and John’s Gospels converge.

Simeon lifted up and blessed (eulogizes) the infant Jesus in a manner anticipating the moment, on Holy Thursday, when Jesus Christ lifts and blessed (eucharistized) bread becoming His body, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19)

After the blessing, Simeon shares with Mary, the mother of Jesus, the prophetic joyful and sorrowful message:

Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, and a sword will pierce your soul so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. (Luke 2: 34,35; Reference also Leviticus 4:27-31)

Thirty some years later, the now adult Jesus, asked His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” After some speculation, the person known as Simon bar Jonah (Simeon son of John) responds, based upon God the Father’s inspiration, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:27–30; Luke 9:18–20; John 6:67–71)

One could argue that Simon’s (Simeon’s) inspiration manifests again, the presence of the same Holy Spirit. “But God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)

What is also significant is the manner in which the first Simeon informs, Mary the Mother of Jesus, about her and her son’s future suffering. In a somewhat similar manner, Jesus Christ tells his disciples:

He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. (cf. Matthew 21-33; Mark 8:31–33; Luke 9:21–22)

Jesus Christ tells his disciples that “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” (cf. Matthew 16:24)

Jesus tells His disciples they will share in His suffering. “Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things.” (cf. John 16:6)

Simeon informs Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ with a similar sorrowful message, “A sword shall pierce your soul.” Mary as mother and disciple, must certainly have remembered the words of Simeon, while standing at the foot of the Cross:

When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” So from that hour, this disciple took her into his home. (John 19:25-27)

Note: Another example where Luke’s and John’s Gospels converge.

Mary, the mother of Jesus is not identified as “shrinking” in response to the words of Simeon. Simon bar Jonah on the other hand is identified as being utterly shocked by such a message. “Peter took Him [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke Him. “Far be it from You, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to You!” (cf. Matthew 16:22)

One could argue, that Mary’s standing beneath the cross of her Son, manifests her complete willingness to participate in the suffering and death of her Son -- side by side with the beloved disciple. Mary, sought to live the prophecy made by Simeon.

Perhaps, such notions will assist a person’s meditation on the 4th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, "the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the temple as an infant."