This Sunday, we celebrate the Presentation of Christ at the Temple, 40 days after his birth. We read the story of St. Symeon, a righteous and devout elderly man who had eagerly waited at the Temple to behold Christ as he was promised by the Holy Spirit. When he takes Christ into his arms, he says to him, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people, Israel.”

In his sermon, Fr. Micah addresses St. Symeon’s words, first focusing on the fact that he was departing in peace. In the modern era, we make great efforts to not think about and put off our departure from this world. However, this is not true of much of human history, in which much time was devoted to preparation for our departure. Fr. Micah posits that many of us do not have peace about death because we don’t prepare for it.

Next, Fr. Micah addresses St. Symeon’s words, “For my eyes have seen your salvation.” He’s beholding the fulfillment of every promise of the Old Testament. He is the glory that Abraham, Moses, King David, and so many others were looking toward. The shadows of Christ throughout the Old Testament find their meaning in this moment at the temple. Fr. Micah concludes by emphasizing that Christ is our salvation. Salvation is not about getting to one place and avoiding the other, but rather salvation is about trying to get to know someone who each day stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to invite him in.