Homily for St Bartholomew’s, Ducklington, Evening Communion, 1st February 2026
Candlemas Luke 2:22-40; Psalm 24:7-10
The presentation of Jesus in the Temple always makes me think a bit of going to register a child’s birth now – it’s something you have to do within a certain time to fulfil the law, but there’s also a celebratory feel to it. This is my baby and I’m really proud of them and I’m glad to be able to share the news whoever it is with! I imagine that is just how Mary and Joseph felt, especially as the presentation was combined with the purification rite for Mary. Both marked the start of their new life as a family, in their case at last returning to their home in Nazareth to share their story.
The baby Jesus is of course the focal point of this story, but today I want to reflect instead on the behind-the-scenes presence that there is, the figure that puts all the pieces into place for the presentation to happen as it does and be witnessed to as it. That figure is the Holy Spirit, who it would seem has been working both on and with Simeon for some time before the events described by Luke.
What is that the Spirit has done for Simeon? It has rested on him; it has given him a revelation; it has guided him. These gifts and insights from the Spirit explain why Simeon is at the Temple at exactly the right moment. And for this to have happened at all, Simeon must have been open to the Spirit; he must have let the Spirit into his heart.
The Holy Spirit resting on Simeon seems somehow rather a peaceful image, as if it is there with him at every step, without any fuss – the Spirit is simply there, quietly resting but also inspiring Simeon. It makes me think too of the Spirit descending on Jesus years later at his baptism – I’ve always imagined that as a dramatic moment itself but one that then settles into the Spirit being a constant quiet presence. Guiding Simeon feels like an extension of the Spirit resting on him, a gentle prod to be at the right place at the right time.
But the revelation by the Spirit to Simeon seems much more intense. What does Simeon realise as he takes Jesus in his arms? It is confirmed to him that God has a plan, both for him personally and for the world, as he sees the Messiah who brings salvation. God’s plan is embodied in a baby – not the king of glory and military might mentioned in the Psalm, but a baby. Simeon is given proof as well that God keeps his word, again both personally and for the world. Simeon has lived to see the Messiah as he was promised; the Messiah has come as God pledged to his people, and to bring salvation not only for them but for the whole world – he is overdelivering on his promises.
It is the personal relationship that I want to emphasise. God’s son has been born and is being presented at the Temple, which might seem powerful enough on its own. But through the Spirit God has also focused on bringing one man to see the baby, letting him be able finally to rest in peace because he has been blessed to see the Saviour of the world. To me that seems like an extraordinary degree of love and care for Simeon, to choose him to be there. Yes, Jesus’ presentation needed to be greeted with prophecy by someone – but God chose in Simeon, and also in Anna, who we can assume was filled with the Spirit too, people who had been quietly dedicated and devoted to him throughout their lives, in Anna’s case certainly through sorrow, waiting with patience for a revelation from him. And what a revelation they received; what a reward for that patience and devotion.
What does this mean for us? It means I think that we too can rejoice in a personal relationship with God through the Spirit. We know that God has plans for us; we know that God will keep his promises to us, walking with us no matter the difficulties we face. The Spirit rests on us, guides us and reveals to us just as it did for Simeon. We may not meet the infant Messiah in the Temple as Simeon did, but if we are open to it, as he was, we can rely on the Spirit’s guidance as faithfully and certainly as Simeon.
Eliza Wheaton
February 2026