When the aged Simeon took into his arms the
Infant Jesus, and gave thanks to God that he had
at length seen the salvation of Israel, we are told
that he blessed the little group before him. But
it was a strange benediction. The Glory of Israel,
the Light to lighten the Gentiles, was to be set for
the fall of many of His people. St. Joseph could
scarce believe his ears at the unexpected words.
Was this to be the result of the Incarnation of the
Son of God? We little know the sorrows that God
may have in store for us.
This was not all. Another clause in that
strange blessing declared that the spotless Lamb of
God should be a sign that should be contradicted.
What could there be in Him that should arouse
ill-will, opposition, or contradiction? Had He not
come to be the Savior of mankind? Were not His
lips to be full of grace from the first day that He
began to speak? St. Joseph accepted with resignation the heartbreaking news.
It was not only Jesus who was to suffer.
Mary's heart was to be pierced through with a
sword. Her life was to be one continual sorrow.
She was to suffer with the sufferings of Jesus. The
tender, compassionate heart of Joseph was filled
with fresh sorrow at the prospect of the anguish
that was to overtake his holy spouse. To join with
the sorrow of others assuages their grief. It is this
which will win for us a share in the joy that St.
Joseph has in Heaven.