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James S. Torrens, S.J.December 21, 2009

Simeon, what you’ve been awaiting
   in your weathered skin
is here now in your clasp,
   the heartbeat of innocence,
proof that we’re not despaired of.

Widow Anna, steady at prayer
   though on the creakiest of limbs,
go tell what your vision shows you,
   the youth of the world
in this surprise of a child.

O cluster of elders
   retelling the feats of a lifetime,
attend to what’s newest of new,
   this pure light from the source,
Jesus, the flesh of mercy.

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