Church of the little ones: Challenge and recognised course
Lk 2:36-40 (22-40)
The Gospel passage from Lk recounts the Father's surprising response to the predictions of fulfilment regarding the messianic prophecies.
An eloquent and peremptory manifestation of the power of the God of Israel, and the submission of those who did not fulfil the Law was expected.
Everyone imagined witnessing the triumphal entry of a leader - surrounded by military leaders or angelic hosts (Mal 3:1) - who would subjugate the pagans by bringing their possessions into the holy city, grant the chosen people many slaves, and impose observance.
Jesus? There He is in the Temple, but helpless and accompanied by insignificant people.
Nobody notices Him, although at all hours the holy place was swarming with visitors.
Then arise here Simeon and Hanna (vv.25.36-38), men and women coryphaeans of the most sensitive authentic People.
They grasp a Clarity that produces conflict with habitual officialdom, a profound Splendour destined for all time.
And the «sword» (v.35) that in Mother Israel will bring about lacerations: between some who open up to the new Light, and others who conversely entrench.
Lk is evaluating community situations, where believers in Christ are discarded by friends and families from different cultural backgrounds (cf. Lk 12:51-53).
But the awaited and true Messiah must be delivered to the world - although those best prepared to recognize him are the members of tribe of Israel the smallest [Asher, in the figure of Hanna: vv.36-38].
These are the same prophets who vibrated in life for one great Love (vv.36-37), then experienced the absence of the Beloved - until they recognised him in Christ. By startling in surprise - catching very personal correspondences within themselves, in Spirit; rejoicing, praising the Gift of God (v.38).
The passage concludes with the return to Nazareth (vv.39-40) and the note concerning Jesus' own growth «in wisdom, stature and grace».
We, too, are not in the world to cling to shadows and blockages, the same old moods, the same prevailing thoughts, the same way of doing (even the little things).
Mechanisms and comparisons that close our days, our whole lives and the emotional space of passions - clipping the wings of testimonies that want to override the 'recognised course'.
Let us sweep away the layers of dust that still cover us with conformism and proven manners, which follow expectations of others, of contours, of external intrusive conditions!
This is precisely the great Challenge that activates the young rebirth of the Dream of God.
It can launch the soul in the transition from the common religious sense to a new Torch: personal, pro-active, liberating Faith.
Relationship of love that does not extinguish us.
[December 30, sixth day between the Octave of Christmas]
