ACC ~ Luke 2 v25 - 27

SIMEON AND ANNA REPRESENT BOTH SEXES AWAITING REDEMPTION

BEDE: Simeon and Anna, a man and a woman of advanced age, greeted the Lord with the devoted services of their professions of faith. As they saw him, he was small in body, but they understood him to be great in his divinity. Figuratively speaking, this denotes the synagogue, the Jewish people, who, wearied by the long awaiting of his incarnation, were ready with both their arms (their pious actions) and their voices (their unfeigned faith) to exalt and magnify him as soon as he came. They were ready to acclaim him and say, “Direct me in your truth and teach me, for you are my saving God, and for you I have waited all the day.” [1] What needs to be mentioned, too, is that deservedly both sexes hurried to meet him, offering congratulations, since he appeared as the Redeemer of both. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.18. [2]

[1] Ps 25:5 (24:5 LXX).

[2] CS 110:183.

SIMEON SEES CHRIST IN THE FLESH

AUGUSTINE: The just Simeon saw him with his heart, because he recognized the infant. He saw him with his eyes, because he took the infant in his arms. Seeing him in both ways, recognizing the Son of God, and cuddling the one begotten of the Virgin, he said, “Now, Lord, you are letting your servant go in peace, since my eyes have seen your salvation.” Notice what he said. You see, he was being kept until he should see with his eyes what he already perceived with faith. He took the baby body, he cradled the body in his arms. On seeing the body, that is, on perceiving the Lord in the flesh, he said, “My eyes have seen your salvation.” How do you know this is not the way in which all flesh is going to see the salvation of God? SERMON 277.17. [1]

[1] WSA 3 8:44.