By St. Theophan the Recluse
At this reception the Lord is surrounded on the one side by Symeon — righteousness which awaits salvation, but not in righteousness itself -, and Anna — a life of strict fasting and prayer, made alive by faith -; and on the other side by substantial, comprehensive and steadfast purity — the Virgin Mother of God -, and by humble, silent submission and devotion to the will of God — Joseph the Betrothed. Transfer all of these spiritual attitudes to your heart and you will receive the Lord; not carried to you, but coming to you Himself. You will take Him into the embrace of your heart, and you will sing a hymn which will pass throughout the heavens and gladden all the angels and saints.
