December 28, 2014
Dear Parishioners,
I remember a young boy who went to one of our schools at my parish in Toronto. His week had been dominated by the fact that he got a part in the Nativity play on Christmas Eve. It wasn’t a big part. In fact, it was just one line: “Let the crooked be made straight.” I think he put more work into his one line then any actor before or since. And then, on the night of the performance, he stood up and, with a big smile on his face, delivered his line perfectly. When the play was finished, at the back of the church, I asked him how he felt about his performance. And he said proudly, “I did my part good.” He was delighted! He only had a small part, but he did it good.
And that, I think, is what Simeon and Anna are trying to say to us in today’s Gospel. They only had small parts to play in the story of Salvation, but they played them good, and that gave them joy. They are there to proclaim that Jesus is present in this small child who is dedicated to God. Simeon can say, “Now Master, let your servant depart in peace for I have seen your salvation.” I have done my part.
Sometimes we forget Anna, don’t we? She doesn’t have such good lines. But I see her as a pious, little old lady. She was only married for a very short time. Apparently she had no children and she now spends all her time in the temple praying. But she, too, had her part to play. And she did it good.
And so, let us pray that to whatever vocation we are called, at the end of our time, we may be able to say “Now, O Lord, let your servant depart in peace.” Maybe I only had a small part, but I did it good.
Fr. Leonard+