Simeon and Anna

I’m sad that the storm caused us to cancel our bringing a worship service to three nursing homes in Chesley, which is about 20 minutes from the parsonage. It was going to be a real group affair. Liz plays the piano, John was going to assist and sing, Pastor Sheilah was going to preside over communion, Jean & Irene were going to assist with the congregational “response” parts and I was going to lead and give the homily. And Irene was going to make us lunch. I have eaten at Irene’s several times and it’s always a feast!

In my preparations I saw that Feb. 2nd is the feast day called “The Presentation of Our Lord.” You might recall this is when Simeon and Anna recognize with their spiritual eyes that this baby Jesus, who has been brought to the Temple, is the Messiah – the one promised by the Lord.

When preparing for a sermon, I always think about who will be hearing the message. In long term care facilities the message/homily/sermon needs to be short – as the whole service is only 30 minutes and we do lots of singing plus communion. What do seniors, who are no longer living in their own home due to any number of infirmities, need to hear in five minutes or less. What text do I pick? What aspect of the gospel needs to be proclaimed?

When I saw the feast day texts it struck me that I wanted to share how God continues to use people in their old age in profoundly important roles. Luke 2:22 “It had been revealed to him [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” What faithfulness in prayer Simeon demonstrated when waiting for years and years for an answer to this prayer. And then vv.29-32 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant [Simeon] in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

And Anna: vv.36-38 “There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” We are all called to be witnesses and to praise.

My own personal faith journey has been significantly shaped by people of ‘mature age’ and this continues to be true today. My personal reflections are guided by the wisdom I hear from persons who are shut-ins or who live in long-term care. Sometimes these people believe they have been marginalized (& sometimes it is true) and have nothing more to offer (not true). We need to remind and encourage seniors in care homes as much as anyone else, that God desires to use each of us in powerful ways to point others to the Kingdom. And to praise the saving work of Jesus always.