Mary Has a Role in Jesus’ Saving Mission (I)

“Now, Master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised; for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have made ready in the sight of the nations; a light of revelation for the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” (Lk 2:32) Mary and Joseph are astounded when Simeon proclaims Jesus as a “light of revelation for the Gentiles”. Mary, instead, with reference to the prophecy of the sword that would pierce her heart, says nothing. Together with Joseph, she accepts in silence those mysterious words which predict a deeply sorrowful trial and give the Presentation of Jesus its deepest meaning. Indeed, according to the divine plan the sacrifice offered then “in accordance with what is prescribed in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” (Lk 2:24), prefigured the sacrifice of Jesus, “for I am meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29); in it the true “presentation” would be made (cf. Lk 2:22), which would see the Mother associated with her Son in the work of Redemption.