This coming Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Family. The gospel is part of the infancy narratives of St. Luke and this week is the story of the “Presentation in the Temple.” When the shepherds arrive at the manger in Bethlehem, Luke records: “they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Luke 2:17-19)

“All” no doubt includes Joseph and Mary who by now would have been used to messages being delivered by angels, understood to be the messengers of God. They were amazed at the message, but they understood how the shepherds came to know. Not so with Simeon. “The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.” While the first part of Simeon’s message had already been received, the message perhaps expanded far beyond what Mary had been reflecting on, and in any case, how did this random person in the Temple come to know these things? How was it revealed to him?

But there was more: “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)  Salvation, revelation and glory will come at a heavy price.

Speaking of the fall and rising of many in Israel leaves in some doubt if Simeon means to speak of one group who for a variety of reasons place their own achievement about the mission and teachings of Jesus. They must fall and take the lower place, but then they will be able to rise like the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the parable of Luke 18:9-14.  But if Simeon has in mind two groups, it means that Jesus will divide people: those who reject him will in the end fall and those who accept him will rise, they will enter into salvation.  (Note: elsewhere in Luke the word used for “rise” always refers to the Resurrection.)

It is hard to know exactly what Simeon is saying when he proclaims Jesus will “be a sign that will be contradicted” One might suggest that his teaching (e.g. Sermon on the Plains in Luke 6:20 and following and other places) often carry the meta meaning “who have been taught by I say…” taking on the role of the divine teacher and one who explains the deeper meaning of the Law.

All was noted, all of this comes at a cost, especially to Jesus’ mother Mary. The sword that will pierce her heart is rhomphaia, a particularly large sword. It is not difficult to imagine that points to the death of Jesus. Given all that has been told to Mary and Joseph about the origin and destiny of their child, the mission and promise, to have it seemingly end on the cross is to be cut to the quick both in witness and memory.

Image credit: Giotto di Bondone, Presentation of Christ in the Temple | Lower Church in the Basilica of San Francesco, Assisi | PD-US