The Prophecy of Simeon

And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: 'Behold this child is set for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; and thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed' (Lk 2: 34-35). Meditation: How great the shock these sorrowful words must have been to Our Lady's heart. Simeon foretold the bitter Passion and death of her sweet Jesus, and she realized all the insults, blows, and torments which impious men were to offer to the Redeemer of the world. But an even sharper sword pierced her soul. It was the thought of men's ingratitude to her beloved Son. Now consider that because of our sins we are unhappily among the ungrateful. Say one Hail Mary.