Simon's Prophecy for Mary

This banner commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple as described in Jewish tradition (Luke 2:21-38). According to tradition, after the birth of a son, the mother was to wait 40 days before going to the Temple to offer a sacrifice for her purification. If she could not afford a lamb and a pigeon (or a dove), two pigeons or doves would be acceptable.⁣

⁣The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon, a righteous and devout man, that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. On this occasion, Simeon entered the Temple, took Jesus in his arms, and praised God, saying:⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ you now dismiss your servant in peace.⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ For my eyes have seen your salvation,⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ which you have prepared in the sight of all people,⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a light for revelation to the Gentiles [symbolized by a flashlight]⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and for glory to your people Israel [crown and purple fig]."⁣

⁣

Then Simeon turned to Mary, saying:⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to ⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts ⁣

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ will be revealed. And a sword will pierce even your own soul."⁣

⁣This sword is the first reference in this Gospel to Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross, which Mary bore in her heart for 33 years. The banner brings both good tidings and an ominous prophecy.⁣