Benny Nalkara, CMI

The infancy narrative of Luke’s Gospel is noted for the three famous canticles contained in them, namely, the Magnificat (1:46-55), the Benedictus (1:68-79)) and the Nunc Dimittis (2:29-32). These canticles give the theology of the evangelists and his vision of the history of salvation. The general theme contained in them is the faithfulness of God to his promises. Nunc Dimittis (Now You Dismiss) is the canticle sung by Simeon, the elderly prophet at the time of the presentation of Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple by Joseph and Mary.

As the chosen race, the Jewish people had different notions regarding the explanations of their destiny. Some of them dreamt of the day in which they would become the masters of the world and the lords of the nations. A group of people expected a celestial champion, another group waited for God working in a supernatural way to take hold of the world. Still we could find the presence of another group who were known as the Quiet in the Land. They were peace- lovers who expected the promised one in prayers with patience. Simeon, the prophet was one among these Quiet and he waited for the day God would comfort his people.

Simeon is presented a righteous and devout person who was guided by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit led him, inspired him and gave him hope by promising that he won’t die until he meets the saviour. His faithfulness and fidelity to the promises of God and sense of gratitude at the fulfilment of the promise are well expressed in the canticle Nunc Dimittis. In such a circumstance where all were expecting an entirely different Messiah, to expect and wait in prayer for Him was a unique act. Enormous amount of faith and commendable commitment are needed for such a radical living. It was indeed a longing for him- a longing to see the saviour and the “comforter of Israel”. He was a man who hoped against hope and was ready to wait near the altar of the Lord. Simeon was blessed to receive the reassurance of his faith before he died. In fact, Simeon was not only blessed to see the Saviour, but he was also blessed to have the privilege to take Him in his own hands! May be the first person to hold the child Jesus other than his parents. Luke uses the Greek word, “dechomai” to denote the action of Simeon “taking” the Child Jesus in his hands and giving thanks to the almighty for fulfilling the promise of salvation. It is noteworthy that the evangelist uses the same word, “dechomai” to describe the action of Jesus “taking the cup” at the Last Supper and “giving” thanks and asking to “divide it among yourselves” (Lk 22:17). Simeon is given the privilege to take the Saviour “of the of all nations”, “the revelation to the Gentiles” and the “glory to Israel.”

Simeon also makes a prophecy to Joseph and Mary about the Child Jesus and it contained a special mention about the unexpected changes that he is going to effect in the life of Mary. “The piercing sword” is not only a “promise” to Mary but also anyone who believes in him and follows his footsteps. Faith in Jesus always accompanied by the test of faith.

The canticle has the motifs of fulfilment, rest and peace and it reflects the main themes of the theology of the Gospel of Luke, namely, the history of salvation, its fulfilment and the universality of salvation. Simeon the faithful becomes the mouthpiece of this theology. By quoting the words of the Prophet Isaiah, (40:5 and 42:6-7) Simeon is revealing to the world that the one who is in his hands is the promised Messiah and the word of God is being fulfilled in time. The forward looking hope is filled in the song of Simeon and it gives a sense of fulfilment and completion. It reverberates the beginning and end of Jesus’s life and mission. It embodies the Messianic hope filled with faith and anticipation, reflecting the longing of all God’s people for his deliverance. It’s a song of Simeon’s confidence that, having seen the salvation of God, we can die in peace because we know that death is not the end.

The forward looking perspective in faith which is revealed in the life and song of Simeon is a characteristic of our faith. As Christians we are called to be people of expectation. Our faith should be a convergence of past, present and the future. We stand between the great events of the past and the future. We need faith, commitment and composure like Simeon in this pilgrimage of faith.

We long of peace and comfort on this earth, but it has not been manifested in this world. Amidst enormous sufferings of this world, we may be tempted to give away our faith in God or putting our trust in other powers. To believe in the promises of God and to wait for its fulfilment with unceasing passion is a difficult task. Simeon’s life stands like a beacon light for us in this pilgrimage of faith where we are called to long for the comfort and salvation.