1st Sorrow of Mary: Simeon's Prophecy

Luke 2:22-35

Jesus the Light in the darkness

The Scripture does not say much about the human infant Jesus. He is presented to the Lord, like every other Jewish male infant.

"A Light that shines in the darkness."

Yes, He is a human male infant, but He is also much more. In that circle of people: His Mother, His Foster Father Joseph, the Prophet Simeon, and others...He is the Light that every one, including His Mother, contemplates. As Simeon says:

"...mine eyes have seen Thy salvation

...a Light of revelation to the Gentiles

and a glory for Thy people Israel"

("Our Father...")

His Mother was immaculately conceived, without original sin, and yet her radiance is only a reflection of the Light of her Son, who is also her Lord.

"My soul magnifies the Lord..."

(1st Hail Mary)

With each new revelation of her Son, she adores Him more and more. It is through her Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart that we can see the Light of Christ most clearly.

                                       (2nd Hail Mary)

Then Simeon speaks of the darkness that will also be revealed in His Light:

"Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted.

And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

The Light of Christ shines on everything, including our hearts, to show us both our goodness ("made in the image of God") and our sin, which damages God's image in us.

(3rd Hail Mary)

Mary's loving, maternal Heart embraces her Son, comforting Him, as He experiences the coldness of the world. Surely, when she left the temple that day, she held Him more closely, more tenderly, than ever before that day. Likewise, she holds tenderly close each of her children who are abused, assaulted, even murdered by the evil in the world and in our hearts.

                  (4th Hail Mary)

Simeon the Prophet was given the light by the Holy Spirit, along with His parents, to see that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of the world. In a temple full of people, they were a tiny circle of Light in the darkness. In union with Our Lord, in the Sorrowful Heart of His Mother, we are called to be a part of a small circle of Light in the world's darkness. Our prayer is that the circle of Light and Love--the Flame of Love--will become ever larger until it consumes the darkness.

                      (5th Hail Mary)

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Sorrowful Mother, cared for and protected by St. Joseph, her chaste spouse, carried her Son Jesus from the temple into the greater darkness of the world, where He shone, even most brightly in His Passion and Death.

      (6th Hail Mary)

The Holy Family, whose center is Jesus, is a circle of Love that radiates Love to the world, like the sun light and heat upon the earth. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, please teach us, and pour out God's grace upon our families, that we may spread Your Love to the world.

                              (7th Hail Mary)