Grateful!

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations ​and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

In the 2nd chapter of Luke, Joseph and Mary bring the forty day old Jesus to present him to the Lord, following the law of Moses. At the Temple, they meet Simeon, who is described as righteous and devout. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he will not die before he had seen the Messiah, the Christ. When Simeon is given the child to be carried, he speaks in the spirit. His words, like the Magnificat of Mary, have been made into song in the different traditions of Christian faith. 

The Canticle of Simeon is a most beautiful prayer, and I love closing the day singing the melody with other brothers and sisters: “Lord, You may let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel. Glory to the Father, to the Son, and Holy Spirit: both now, and for ever. Amen.

Have we ever felt that urge to sing to God in gratitude? That upon waking up, we really mean, “Good morning!” and upon closing our eyes, “Thank You!” Do we live as if every day is a gift, a wonderful gift from God? We should not wait to be grateful, to be thankful for all His gifts, until it is taken from us. I remember when I could not sing or talk because my mouth was full of mouth sores from Pemphigus Vulgaris. Or after my operation, I could not lift my arm. We have so many blessings we take for granted. How about our family, our work, electricity, water? 

Simeon had lived a full life. He was old. But he knew there was one last burning desire in his life left to wait for. To see the Messiah. To hold Him in his arms. When God granted him that wish, Simeon said he was ready to leave this earth. What is our one burning desire? Is it to see the Lord? To meet Him? We can meet Him every day if our hearts are full of gratitude for all His gifts!