After patiently trusting in God’s word, Simeon was able to meet his Savior. Today’s reflection asks us to reflect on our goals and how they align with God’s plan for our lives, knowing that we can meet Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament and trust in God’s promise of salvation.

February 2, 2025: The Presentation of the Lord‍

Malachi 3:1–4

Psalm 24:7–10

Hebrews 2:14–18

Luke 2:22–40

A Divine Bucket List

A reflection by Cait Gardiner

What’s on your bucket list? What tops that list of things you want or need to feel you’ve lived a full life? Perhaps there is a destination (or several) you want to visit. Maybe there’s a research project that you have dedicated your life towards, or want to pursue in the future. It may be a career position, getting married, having kids, completing a creative endeavor, or any number of other things. In this week’s Gospel, we hear about the sole item on Simeon’s bucket list: to see the Christ of the Lord.

When Jesus is presented in the temple in Jerusalem, Simeon says “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (Luke 2:29–32). Through the Holy Spirit, it was revealed to Simeon that he would see Christ before he died, and this became that bucket list item that would allow him to go in peace. Simeon trusted in God’s promise, waiting faithfully for the day he would see the salvation of the world. He believed that he would meet Christ, even if he did not know when, and his faith was rewarded.

This story may leave some of us feeling underwhelmed by our own bucket lists. A trip to Ireland, finding a spouse, or completing that lifelong research project all pale in comparison to meeting the Child Jesus. But that does not mean that God’s plan for us is any less magnificent. We have the opportunity to see the risen body of Christ every time we go to Mass or adoration, so we can fulfill Simeon’s life goal every day!

While participating in the Eucharist is certainly a key aspect of a full Catholic life, it feels like there is still something more that might top our bucket lists. This desire for more points us towards our ultimate end, the fulfillment of our purpose as people: the beatific vision, where we will rejoice in seeing God as God truly is. But we, like Simeon, must trust that this will be fulfilled without knowing when.

The magnificence of Simeon’s bucket list doesn’t just come from what is on it - it’s his unwavering faith in God’s promise that makes it so meaningful. When the Holy Spirit reveals that he will meet Christ on Earth, Simeon continues in his righteous devotion, patiently “awaiting the consolation of Israel” (Lk. 2:25). Every one of us has that same opportunity to put God’s purpose for our life at the top of our bucket list, knowing that when we lean on God and trust that the Holy Spirit will work through us, we too can find the peace Simeon did. We, too, can dedicate our lives to God’s service, proclaim God’s word, and cultivate divine love on this Earth.

Take a moment to pray on God’s purpose for your life. What would God put at the top of your bucket list? How do your current passions and talents align with this mission? Do you need to make changes to prioritize this purpose? What intentional steps can you take this week to move towards this focus?

Cait Gardiner (they/them) is a queer non-binary person who is passionate about uplifting the voices of marginalized communities and making civics education accessible. They want to be a light to others navigating the difficult experience of reconciling their sexual orientation with their faith.