Simeone now speaks to the mother of this little child he is holding in his arms. He is looking ahead to the division between those who opt to follow Jesus, and those who do not.
Mary herself will have to make the decision to be on one side or the other. She is his mother, but will she become not only a mother who loves her child, but also someone who believes in the way of life that he preaches? That act of faith goes beyond family ties.
Mary made the decision. The Gospels show her relating to Jesus not only as his mother, but also as his disciple - a difficult bridge to cross. Pope Paul VI described her as the first and most faithful disciple.
All of us have to cross this bridge. There is a "sword of division" between those who simply admire Jesus ... and those who are willing to follow Jesus.
Which raises the question: Have you crossed that bridge?
Talk to the Lord about it.
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw