Let's consider Simeon's role in the history of salvation. This elder of the Jerusalem temple serves God as another of his messengers -- standing at the service of his God, his Yahweh. The scripture we have teaches us about many such "angels." In our time we also have angels but usually without wings! These are the men and women, and sometimes children, who are clearly agents of the Holy Spirit, faithful followers who have made it their practice to take a "hands-on" approach to their relationship with God. As Evangelist John wrote in his first letter, "whoever claims to abide in him (Jesus) ought to walk just as he walked."
In the months ahead believers in the Lord Jesus will be tested in a very public way if political pundits are correct. They are already putting "out there" the expectations that the leaders of our national government will soon start serious debate (read argument) about a very serious and sensitive message: immigration.
We often talk about or hear about the "unconditional love" of Jesus. Return to the final sentence of the first paragraph above. John, inspired by the Holy Spirit of course, is very clear: if you wish to be with Jesus, you must live the Commandments. John's words are right on for the immigration issue: "Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in darkness ... because the darkness has blinded his eyes." And buried beneath so many arguments in the immigration debate will be clear and simple prejudice, sometimes even hatred. Oh, how difficult is the human condition!
