This Is What Actual Christianity Is Supposed to Sound Like

Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the Temple, an
important moment in their family’s life. Imagine their surprise when they were
accosted without warning by two elderly prophets, Simeon and Anna, whose
wisdom, gleaned from long faithful lives, gave them insight. They saw how
special Jesus was and shared what they saw, in word and deed, with Mary and
Joseph. The words of Anna aren’t recorded, just her joy. But we hear Simeon
declaring, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in
Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed.”

These dark words might feel inappropriate on such an
auspicious occasion, but prophets influenced by the Holy Spirit tend to tell it
like it is, and Simeon, even in his great joy, saw what was to be: the
struggle, the sacrifice to be suffered by Jesus and his parents—“and a sword
will pierce your own soul, too.” And indeed, Simeon’s prophecy proved true.

Many resisted Jesus’s message, especially those who had
the most to lose, those obsessed with domination and control. To them, Jesus
was a threat because they knew that their lies would not long survive the
light of his liberating truth. His message of unconditional love was a menace,
and they would go and did go to great lengths to smother what he brought to
give, but they failed.