On Feb. 2, in our tradition, we remember the day, according to Luke (Luke 2:22-40) on which Jesus, a first-born Jewish son, was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. During this visit, two devout elders, Simeon and Anna, see the child and praise him extravagantly.
Simeon holds the baby in his arms and declares in moving verse that now his life can end, he is satisfied that God has kept his promises. Anna is an aged widow who lives in the Temple, ‘with fasting and prayer, night and day’ and is known as a prophet. Though the imagery is filled with references to the hope of Israel and of the (later) Christian church, there is also the picture of something much more prosaic, and yet, something profoundly holy.
In Luke’s telling, the holy family is far from home and relatives, on their sojourn in Bethlehem and the vicinity of Jerusalem. The old couple, in their effusive praise and enjoyment of the infant, suddenly become his spiritual grandparents, perhaps representing one from each side of the family. They do what all grandparents are called to do, and provide what every child needs: love flooding across the years and filling the space between generations. Simeon also has a blessing — and a caution — for the parents, ‘who were amazed’ at what they were hearing.
A time of flourishing follows such blessing, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”
Something which is perhaps less clear, but is no less present, is that while the benediction flows across generations, it flows in both directions. The child prospers, and Simeon and Anna are completely delighted and fulfilled in the exchange. The important element in the relationship is that of love. Love which is present, in direct physical contact, and which is given. Although we may assume there are many cultural affinities between the people, in their shared faith, we should also be aware that there could be a wide gulf in wealth and understanding and experience between these city dwellers, and between them and the young family from the provincial village. None of that matters, just as there is no withholding for lack of blood relation. Love freely given returns and fulfills the giver, and the recipient of love flourishes.
There is a great deal to hope for in this, and a bounty of love. It is possible that in meeting the other — poor strangers from the street, say — with a spirit of optimism, we may generate wonder and fulfilment for everyone. It is possible that even at a very great age, even in difficult circumstances, we can continue to be energized by giving generously from the inexhaustible supply of love. It is inexhaustible because in the giving it grows, and it returns transformed and renewed.
Love grows and it creates an economy of abundance.
We have had five very strong examples of this brought home, these past few months: Mildred Tandy, Mildred Boesser, Stephen McPhetres, Alma Trucano and Chapin Heumann. Five very different people, in quite different circumstances, yet all were made joyful by a lifetime of generosity toward others.
They are a treasure, and a cloud of witnesses: Love wins after all.
• Fr. Gordon Blue is the Rector at Holy Trinity Church.
