The Emotion of an Old Man

Luke 2:25-32.

The bent-over old man approaches Mary, the mother of Jesus. His knees tremble, not only because of his years, but mostly because of emotion. There, in the arms of that young woman, is the One for whom he has been waiting so long. God had promised him that he would see this day. His days were lengthening on earth for this reason alone. And now he has him here, within reach.

He is just a little boy, just like many others he has seen. But when you look at him with the eyes of faith, your gaze transcends time and space. This is the Eternal One, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Abraham ran before him to serve him; Moses trembled in his presence; Joshua removed his shoes from his feet. Now, a little while ago, Elizabeth had shouted for joy, filled with the Spirit, and the child of her womb had leaped within her. Was not this the Holy One of Israel?

Then he asks his mother, and takes him in his arms. His heart is moved, his chin trembles, the brightness of his eyes is such that the mother fears it may fall from his arms. His lips open with emotion. His throat, weak, barely lets out a few words in a whisper: "Now, Lord, send thy servant away in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared in the presence of all people".

A hope so long cherished that is suddenly fulfilled, with the simplicity of everyday things, is hard to believe; but it was there. God had been very clear in the signs He had given him. That young woman, that man, and the Child.

After those words, all the joy that could fit in his heart must have flooded his old flesh, enlivening it. He would not have wanted to give him up, but to continue embracing that little heap of caressed flesh between his worn-out clothes. Then, as he left the temple, more than one must have heard him mutter, as he passed by, as if in senile madness, as he walked placidly on his way home: "I have seen my Lord! Oh, I have seen my Lord!".

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