Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Simeon’s prayer is a truly amazing one. He has been waiting for many years to see “the consolation of Israel” (Lk. 2:25). God has promised Simeon that He will break through Israel’s solitude, and be with His people. This is Simeon’s hope. Nothing for himself, no exorcism, healing, or sign—simply the knowledge that God has come to be with Israel, to be with His people, in a final and definitive way. At the end of his life, seeing this come to fruition is what gives Simeon peace.
What is even more amazing is that Simeon’s prayer can be ours. Simeon’s prayer is found in the Liturgy of the Hours, and said as part of night prayer every day. Part of the official prayer of the Church, something every person can pray, is a declaration shortly before going to bed that God has come to be with His people. We hardly need reminding of the darkness in the world, but the Church wants to make sure that we also remember the light. Every day, we are able to make Simeon’s prayer our own, we are able to see ways in which God has come to console His people. And God will never leave.