HE LOOKED FORWARD TO THE CONSOLATION

PRA

Monday 29 October 2018

PRAYPRA                    PRAYER PAUSE

Saturday, 29 December 2018

HE LOOKED FORWARD TO THE CONSOLATION

Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading.  “Simeon was righteous and devout and looked forward to the consolation of Israel.” (Like 2:22-35)

Reflection.  There is intensity in the way Simeon looks at Mary, and Mary returns the look, in the painting of the Presentation in the Temple by Giovanni Bellini (c.1470). Without words, the painting tells us Simeon is aware of the struggle about to begin. “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many.”  The time has come.  From now on there will be division and judgement.  Everyone will have to choose.  There will be suffering and there will be consolation and Mary will experience both as she accompanies her son on his mission.  We place ourselves in this scene and allow ourselves to experience the intense drama. We are part of it.

Prayer.  Lord, help us to know that we are involved in this great struggle for the peace of all people, a peace that searches into our own hearts for the courage to seek justice in all things. Amen.