(The fourteenth in a series of meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary by Rev. Addisalem T. Mekonnen, Spiritual Director of the Philadelphia Senatus).
What do you believe is more important in the end, the judgement of people, or the judgement of God
Pop culture has made the TV show “American Idol” become the success it has because it taps into our interest in the search for a superstar to become the next up-and-coming popular artist in the music industry. “American Idol” has three judges that scrutinize the artist, and if he or she gets their votes, the artist is able to move forward in the competition. After receiving the approval of those three judges, the artist then needs the votes from the live and TV audiences in order to continue moving forward toward eventually winning the contest. In the process, the artists get plenty of feedback from the judges that helps them develop their talent and become a light to foreign nations and the glory of America.
Our Lady and St. Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Holy Temple in obedience to the Law of Moses regarding the redemption/consecration of the firstborn son to the Lord. Both our Lady and St. Joseph judged that, although Jesus is the Messiah and Son of the Most High, they nevertheless abided by the Law and presented Jesus in the Holy Temple according to the will of God. They offered up two turtles doves as an offering as required by the Torah. It was Simeon who, through the light of the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the universal significance of the Lord for Jews and Gentiles alike. After all, Jesus who now comes to be “redeemed” in the Temple by sacrifice will one day sacrifice Himself for the redemption of the human race – not in the Temple, but on the Cross. Through the prayer of Simeon, we hear announced that Jesus our Lord is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel” (Lk 2:32). The Presentation also presents us with the prophetess Anna who, enlightened by the Holy Spirit, also bears witness to Jesus as the Savior of the world.
There are then three “judges” – the Holy Spirit, Simeon, and Anna – as to Jesus’ identity and His role in the context of salvation history. They testify to the dramatic effect Jesus has not only upon Israel, but upon the whole world.
Therefore, all of us, like our Lady and St. Joseph, as much disciples of Christ as both of them, are called to ponder this mystery as they did with a living faith. And then we are called to “vote” for Christ by the way we live out our baptismal consecration and actively participate in the Paschal Mystery which is our redemption and consecration.
Consequently, if we make judgements upon ourselves concerning our sins in Confession then we are enabled to bear witness to Christ as our Light, and then participate in His light. And if afterwards we take up our cross and follow Him, then we receive a participation in His glory, like the saints in heaven.
Fr. Addisalem Mekonnen