Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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SIMEON
1. the second son of Jacob and Leah; he was more clearly associated with Judah than with any other of his brothers. From the final prophetic utterance of Jacob concerning his sons, it is clear that he deplored the life Simeon led. He spoke of his son's "malicious plans" and considered him "accursed" for his "ruthlessness" (Genesis 49:5-7); 2. the saintly old man who was in the Temple when Jesus was brought in by his parents to be consecrated to the Lord. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he set eyes on the long-promised Messiah. He recognized Jesus instantly and hailed him as "the light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel." The event is commemorated in the fourth Joyous Mystery of the Rosary, the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-32).
