Go in Peace

By Lisa Hendey

“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 sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
~ Luke 2: 29-32

With their time of prescribed purification having been completed, Mary and Joseph followed the teachings of their Jewish faith and took young Jesus to Jerusalem, presenting him to God. In the Temple, they met Simeon, who had been graced with a divine revelation: he would not die before personally seeing the Messiah. Holding Jesus that day, Simeon spoke words I have often prayed over.

“You may let your servant go in peace.”

As I ponder Simeon’s words and reflect on them while praying the fourth Joyful mystery, my heart and desire dwell on a few particular words:

“You may let…”

Let your will be done in my life, Lord. Help me to always act in cooperation with and for the glory of your divine intentions for me.

“Your servant”

Enable me to be your hands and feet, God. Minister through me, but let my cooperation remain unseen, unrewarded, and unheralded. When I serve others, may it be as though I were serving you directly.

“Go in peace.”

Amidst the strife of life, Father, let me seek the profound solace and grace of your peace. May my greatest goal in life be to rest in your loving arms.

Imagine being Simeon at that moment! Imagine the profound joy of knowing with certainty that what you spent your life believing had come to fruition. Let’s note that Simeon’s first instinct in this exchange is not to crow, “I was right” as you and I might be tempted to do, posting a selfie with the Holy Family for all to see.

Instead, he prayed, thanking God with humility and grace.

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for your mercy and the salvific love of your son, Jesus. Use me, your servant, for your glory. Bring peace through my actions, however small. I am yours.