And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:33-40, NRSV)
Anna was a prophet who looked upon the child. She worshipped at the temple day and night waiting for the Messiah to come. She knew when she saw the child that He was the redemption of all of Israel.
And Simeon said the same, and also that Mary would be pierced through the soul because of what would happen to their child.
How would you take this with your eight-day-old son?
To be told He is the savior of your country and that your very soul would be pierced because of what would happen to Him?
I wonder if Mary was rethinking her, “Here am I” statement.
Or maybe that should be I wonder if we would be rethinking our statement…
aSacredRebel 