337 part ii: meditations for more solemn feasts And what would be your reason for approaching Him today if not to learn from Him the virtues which He exercised in the purification of His Mother, so that you also may practice them from now on? 2. “this man was just and devout” (Lk 2:25) [DRB]. It is a sufficient enough eulogy to be called just and devout by the Holy Spirit. This is greater praise than to be called by the world the strongest, [f.103v] wisest, most distinguished, most excellent, most gracious, most dignified, and most eminent. Therefore, imitate Simeon in his justice, so that you may flourish like a palm tree, be exalted and grow like the cedar of Lebanon (cf. Ps 92:12; Eccl 24:17). Imitate him in fearing God that all may be well with you at the end of your life. In today’s Gospel there are many masters of virtue who teach not by words, but by their examples: you have Jesus, you have Mary and you have Simeon. If, conscious of your frailty, you do not dare to imitate Jesus, since He is God, or Mary, since she is the Mother of God; then as a man, imitate at least Simeon, who is a man, so that you may be just and devout like him. 3. “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Lk 2:25) [DRB]. Take note of the burning desire of this very holy old man, Simeon, to see the true Messiah. Undoubtedly, it was so great, so unfailing, and so pleasing to God that it merited to receive a reply from the Holy Spirit that he, Simeon, would not see death until he sees Christ the Lord. Hence, realize that the benefit we gain from Holy Communion is given according to our desire to receive Christ. Why then are you so spiritless? Why do you approach the sacred banquet with such great coldness and apathy? Rouse in yourself ever-greater zeal to receive the Body of the Lord, so that you may feel that you received a greater benefit from Him. After Holy Communion 1. “he took [H]im up in his arms” (Lk 2:28). O what reverence! What joy! What exultation! Such were the words of that holy old man, when he held in his arms the Mes-
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