The First Sorrow of Our Lady - The Prophecy of Simeon

 Scripture Reading:  Luke 2: 25-35 DRV    25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him.
    26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, 28 He also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29 Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; 30 Because my eyes have seen thy salvation,
    31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 33 And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; 35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.   

Meditation:    Dear Mary, when you heard the words of Simeon, surely your heart ached with concern for the child you loved so much.  Dear Mary, the moment I learned that my loved one was no longer a practicing Catholic, my heart ached also.  It aches now at just the thought.  Please take my hand and walk with me.  Teach me how to accept the pain and anguish and offer it to the Lord as a prayer for the well-being of my beloved prodigal.  May the time come quickly when I can say with joy, "The one for whom I have prayed has come home to Holy Mother Church."  In Jesus Name, I pray.  Amen.

Prayer:  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.  Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death.  Amen.

Go to the next numbered link.