Amazed!

That’s how Mary felt when Simeon offered his strange and wonderful blessing upon Jesus at the parents’ presentation of their first-born son in the Jerusalem Temple.

It’s funny really, isn’t it? Up until this point, Mary had experienced an angel prophecy, a Holy Spirit visitation, a star following them and shining over their birthing place, and the arrival of praising and singing shepherds. And yet when Simeon proclaims the messianic heritage of her child, Jesus, Mary is still amazed! 

Likewise, despite Joseph’s miraculous dream, Mary’s virgin birth, and those really excited shepherds, he too stands amazed at Simeon’s prophecy.

What is up with that?

It’s not as though Jesus’ identity had not already been revealed, right? And yet each time someone points out Jesus’ identity –amazement is …