SIMEON'S MOMENT

 

I discovered this painting recently by Ron DiCianni entitled "Simeon's Moment". The painting had me revisit the story of Simeon in Luke 2:25-35. I cannot adequately describe the tearful emotion that swelled within my heart. It wasn't just Simeon's story that touched the depth of my soul but the artist who was so moved by this incident of joy that someone felt to hold the Son of God in his arms. 

It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen 'the Lord's Christ' (Luke 2:26). Simeon waited a long time and was well stricken in age when the Spirit led him to the temple the day Mary and Joseph had brought the Christ child to offer sacrifice for his birth as was the Mosaic law of the day (Luke 2:22-24). Simeon took the Christ child into his arms and pronounced Him to be the awaited Messiah, the glory of Israel and the light to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). And then he said something highly significant to Mary: "A sword shall pierce through thy own soul....that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (v35).

I reflected on the signs of the times around us which are being fulfilled and how close the Saviour might be to returning, even at the door (Matt 24:33; Mark 13:29; JS-M 1:39; D&C 110:16). I hear some people being scared of this thought but some elated at the prospect. How many of us will be over-joyed when we see Him coming in the clouds of heaven? I have a daughter whose patriarchal blessing tells her she will be here when the Saviour returns. She is no longer on the gospel path. How will she feel when that 'great and dreadful day' of the Lord comes? I cannot trust my heart to contemplate this scenario. 

When He comes we will have nothing to give Him but our hearts and whatever is in them. After all, this is the greatest gift one can give to another. Will we be ashamed when our hearts are laid bare before Him or will we be eager to show Him that He resides there? May we be overjoyed like Simeon because we have waited with eagerness for His appearing and may our hearts be imbued with faith and love to make them fit for an offering to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings; the King of Israel, the Prince of Peace, the   Bread of Life and the Living Water.

How can I tell you

What my mortal lips cannot say?

How can I show you

What my mortal heart cannot hold?

All that I feel

And all that I am

I owe to you.

I give you my all

Because a heart can give no more. 

- Cathryne Allen

(Art by Ron DiCianni)