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A reflection on Sunday’s readings, by Adrienne Gregory

Waiting for anything can be difficult, and requires patience and perseverance. To wait implies there is a goal in sight, and an expectation that it will come to pass. We are often like children on a road trip asking, "Are we there yet? " as though the journey should not take so long or require sacrifice of any kind.

In the readings for this Sunday, Simeon, a devout and religious man from Jerusalem was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. Guided by the Spirit, he was in the temple when the child , Jesus was brought there by His parents. Simeon had complete faith that the promise would be fulfilled and anticipated the joy and honour it would bring and had waited his whole life for that moment. Recognizing that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah he cried out in exultation saying, "Mine eyes have seen your salvation . A light for the revelation of the Gentiles , and glory to your people , Israel."

He felt he could now die in peace.

Anna, a prophet of great age worshipped in the temple night and day with fasting and prayer waiting for the Messiah. She too knew Jesus was the Messiah she had prayed and waited for. Both Anna and Simeon praised the Lord profusely when their hope had been fulfilled.

We too must wait, and expect and prepare for the coming of the Light of the world.

Waiting becomes a process and almost a state of being. A gardener sows a seed in faith that it will germinate, sprout and grow. Patience is essential for what we hope for. The earth brings forth life.

Likewise , the Lord God "will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations." We place our hope in Him that He will fulfill His promise. As we are his children through adoption so too will we inherit rights as His children. Like Simeon and Anna, in the fullness of time, we will look upon the Light we have put our faith in.