On February 2 we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. (Preempting the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time.) In the first of the three scripture lessons, (Mal 3:1-4) we hear the promise that
And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.
While this promise was heard by many, it it was seen by only two when it happened. In the gospel (Lk 2:22-40) we learn that Anna and Simeon saw the baby Jesus when he was presented in the temple to be consecrated as a first born son. Anna and Simeon saw and recognized him as the promised of ages. They might have sung “Do You See What I See?’ (with Carrie Underwood.)
We can ask why Anna and Simeon were able to see when the wise, learned and powerful in Jerusalem were not. They were contemplatives - literally spending their time and longing in their hearts within the temple. And so it is for us. By themselves scholarship, learning and influence will not help us, even when we are using that influence to do the Lord’s work. In our hearts we must sit in the temple along with Anna and Simeon. We need not be in the temple continuously, especially if we are called to a life of service. Even while we are serving we can be there in our desires. If we are, our senses will gradually be awakened and we will see. Then we can pray with Simeon:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”