When the Lord Comes Will He Find Faith on the Earth?

I have always loved the story of the presentation, especially since I entered the ranks of "seniors." Simeon and Anna seem to me to be the icons of old age. They practically lived at the Temple praying for the coming of the Messiah, and they received the grace of seeing Him in the flesh....and holding Him in their arms. How I want to be like them!

The Feast of the Presentation: A Celebration of the Elderly

If there were a feast day for old folks, I'd say it's today, the feast of the Presentation. Who do we find at the temple praying and waiting for the Messiah? Two elderly Jews who go to the temple night and day.

The Holy Spirit promised the old man Simeon that he would not die without seeing the salvation of Israel. And when Mary and Joseph bring the child in fulfillment of the law, Simeon is there, called by the Holy Spirit, and he takes the child in his arms and says to Mary, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted -- and you yourself a sword will pierce -- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."