“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfilment of those things which were told to her from the Lord” Lk 1:45

It is amazing how we sometimes in our reading of scripture pass by words and verses which convey themselves with such simplicity of flow and meaning, yet when we spiritually contemplate on those very words and verses we are stopped in our mental tracks. For our hearts and our minds are left gazing at the most amazing wonders ordained by God. In the end we are left praising with King David saying, “The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Ps 119:130 and “I have seen the consummation of all perfection, but your commandments are very broad” Ps 119:96.

It is amazing how the journey of the Son of God on Earth for our salvation was designed from its beginning to its end.  Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea…behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem saying ‘where is He who has been born King of the Jaws?’ For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him. They came from far away having seen the extraordinary appearance of a star that signifies the birth of the Messiah and followed it until it stood over the place where the Babe Jesus was born. They then entered the place rejoicing, worshiped him and presented him their gifts: Gold (representing royalty), Frankincense (representing priesthood) and Myrrh (representing sorrow). The story takes us then through almost thirty three years of Jesus’ life until we meet him again during the Pascha week where we can clearly see the fulfilment of the prophecy of the Magi’s gifts.

Christ is invited over. Simon does everything as he was taught. He sets out the table, he invites the guests, and he prepares himself for this Great Teacher. He sits down with him and engages him in the normal topics of conversation. Simon does little to offend or dishearten his guest; Simon rarely makes mistakes and is known to receive guests in a generous manner.

Don't be cheated by numbers

Once a retreat was arranged for the servants in the church of St. Peter, the Seal of the Martyrs, in Alexandria. The church at the time was still in the beginning of its development and it was expected that there would be some 80 servants on this retreat day in the church. However many servants did not come, and the numbers were no higher than 30 servants.