What's my purpose?

 In my reflection of the occasion of Jesus being presented in the temple by Mary and Joseph, my focus is on Simeon, a “righteous and devout” man, who had been waiting for this moment throughout his life.  And when it came to pass, he said, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”  [Luke 2:29-32]

This is a profound statement that came from a humble and faith-filled heart.  Simeon was saying something like this: “Lord of Heaven and earth, my life is now complete.  I’ve seen Him.  I’ve held Him.  He’s the one.  He’s the Messiah.  There’s nothing more I need in life.  My life is fulfilled.  I’m now ready to die.  My life has reached its purpose and culmination.”

Simeon, like any other ordinary human being, would have had many experiences in life.  He would have had many ambitions and goals.  Many things he worked hard for.  So for him to say that he was now ready to “go in peace” simply means that the purpose of his life was fulfilled and that all he’s worked for and striven for has come to culmination in this moment.

That’s saying a lot!  But it’s really a great witness for us in our daily lives and gives us an example of what we should strive for.  Life must be about encountering Christ and fulfilling our purpose in accord with God’s plan.  For Simeon, that purpose, revealed to him through the gift of his faith, was to receive the Christ Child in the temple at His presentation and to then consecrate this Child to the Father in accordance with the law. 

A question I often ask myself is, “What is my mission and purpose in life?”  I don’t believe it will be the same as Simeon, but it will have similarities.  God has a perfect plan for me that He will reveal to me in faith.  This calling and purpose will ultimately be about my receiving Christ in the temple of my heart and then praising and worshiping Him for all to see.  It will take on a unique form in accord with the will of God for my life.  But it will be as significant and important as Simeon’s calling and will be integral to the entire divine plan of salvation for the world. 

I don’t want to miss my call, my mission.  I’ll have to continue to listen, anticipate, and act in faith as that plan unfolds so that I, too, may one day rejoice and “go in peace” confident that this calling has been fulfilled.