The Testimony of Two Witnesses – The Presentation in the Temple
This is part four of a short series on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary as a guide for discernment. The introduction and “index” are here. The previous mystery, The Nativity of Jesus, is here. The next mystery, The Finding in the Temple, is here.
The Presentation in the Temple
Ambrogio_Lorenzetti_ Presentazione di Gesù al tempio
Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple. Simeon identifies him as the messiah. Anna evangelizes.
- Present your revelation, call, or idea to the church. No, not just your tio Juan.
- Do they receive it joyfully, but realistically?
- Does it call them to action?
The time has come. Jesus needs to be presented at the temple (more on that in my earlier post, here). Whatever we’re discerning, the time comes that we have to take concrete next steps, or discern that we should not. It’s time to commit, one way or the other.
For many things we might need to discern, there’s “a way” to do that. For a vocation, there’s ecclesiastical or religious authority. For a new ministry, there’s the pastor and community. For a theological insight, there are experts we should consult. With very rare exception, discernment does not lead to disobedience. With very rare exception, we are not called to cry “torpedo’s be da*ned, full speed ahead!” Most of the time, we should present our discernment to the appropriate ecclesial institution or authority, and trust the Holy Spirit to work. That said, sometimes we must be like Mel Gibson’s William Wallace in Braveheart, and recognize the difference between “No!” and “No the now, anyway…”
Simeon is a righteous and devout man. The Holy Spirit brings him to the temple that day, where he praises God, affirms this child as the salvation of the world, and gives a dire warning that the road ahead will be marked with suffering. His response is not an empty “you go, girl!” – but is both joyful and realistic.
Anna is a prophetess, continually living in the temple. Her response is first to give thanks to God, then go share the good news.
How is our call, idea, or vocation received by ecclesial authorities? How is it received by righteous and devout people? Do they praise God in response? Are their affirmations substantive, and meaningful? Are a few inspired to pick up the banner, and march with us? I may be a misunderstood holy genius, but if nobody accepts my theological insight, call, or vocation, I’m probably just misunderstanding… Jewish law required a pair of witnesses to establish the truth of a claim. That’s a good minimum standard for us, too.
