Detail: Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (1342)
Joyful Mystery 4 of 5.
Scripture
Simeon took him up in his arms and blessed God, saying, ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation.’
Luke 2:22–38
Meditation
Forty days after the birth, Mary and Joseph carry the child to the Temple, as the Law of Moses required. There the old man Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and recognizes the salvation he has waited his whole life to see — and then warns Mary that a sword will pierce her own soul too. The Incarnation moves now under the shadow of the Cross. Holiness does not float above ordinary obedience; it lives inside it.
Fruit of the mystery
Obedience