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Call Us: 617-846-7400

Address: 320 Winthrop St, Winthrop, MA 02152

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St. John the Evangelist Church

St. John the Evangelist Church

  • About
    • Ministers and Staff
    • Facilities
    • History
    • Links
  • News & Events
  • Donations
    • Donate Now
    • Planned Gifts
    • Holiday Meal Donations
    • Holiday Flowers
    • Grand Annual Collection
    • Commitment to Parish Life
    • Planned Gifts
  • Ministries
    • Community Help
    • Baptism
    • Parish Ministries
      • Bereavement Group
      • Collections
      • Eucharistic Ministers
      • Kenyan Community
      • Lectors
      • Liturgy Committee
      • Music Ministry and Choirs
      • RCIA
    • Committees
      • Commitment to Parish Life Committee
      • Buildings and Property Committee
      • Communications and Technology
      • Finance Committee
    • CYO Basketball
    • Weddings
      • Marriage Prep Program
  • Religious Education
    • Confirmation
      • Service – Why is it important?
      • Choosing your Sponsor
      • Choosing a Confirmation Name
  • Contact

Gospel Reflection from Notre Dame

Barbara Martin Ryan ‘90

As I read and reflected upon today’s gospel passage, I found myself drawn to the figure of Simeon.

He is “righteous and devout” and “the Holy Spirit rested on him.” He is guided by the Spirit to the temple, where he encounters Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. I was struck by the fact that he immediately recognized Jesus—an infant of obviously humble origins—as the Messiah. Jesus was just a baby, and hadn’t yet done anything to prove or suggest that he was the Messiah.

In all of his years of waiting for the Messiah, what type of person did Simeon have in mind to look for? Was he was expecting someone different, perhaps in the form of a charismatic and powerful political or military leader? Whatever his expectation, he puts it aside when he sees Jesus. He embraces him lovingly and praises God. And, despite the fact that he will not live to see Jesus’ earthly ministry, passion, and resurrection, he believes—he is absolutely certain that he has seen the Messiah.

What accounts for such certitude? I believe that Simeon had developed such an intimate relationship with God the Father that he could not fail to recognize the human form of God’s Son. And how did Simeon develop such a relationship? Through consistent prayer, openness to the Holy Spirit, and a childlike trust in God. He was able to know not by use of his intellect and reason, but through the understanding of his heart and soul.

May we all continue to strive for an enduring faith like Simeon’s, and be open to encountering Jesus in the unlikeliest of people and circumstances.

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