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While the world celebrates Valentine’s Day on February 14th with roses, chocolates, and other extravagant gifts, the Armenian Church observes the feast of Jesus’ presentation at the temple, as recorded in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. According to Jewish tradition, every firstborn child was to be dedicated to the Lord in the temple 40 days after birth. Our Church celebrates the birth of Jesus on January 6th, so we commemorate His presentation 40 days later, on February 14th.

The most intriguing character in the story of Jesus' presentation is Simeon. He had prior knowledge of the Messiah and, guided by the Holy Spirit, went to the Temple to see the baby Jesus. When Simeon held the baby Jesus in his arms, he thanked God for fulfilling His promise. He expressed that he was now ready to leave this world because his eyes had seen God's Messiah and the salvation that the Messiah brings.

I have always cherished this story because it encourages us to contemplate events and realities larger than ourselves. We read this passage from the Gospel every time we hold our church's 40th-day dedication service for newborns. I often reflect on how Simeon clearly knew what he wanted to see before his death, and God granted him that wish. This leads me to think about my final wish before I close my eyes for eternity.

Simeon’s story reminds me of my grandfather, Stepan. I vividly remember him lying on his deathbed when his children told him about Armenia's independence in 1991. At that moment, I observed a man whom I had always known to be tough shedding tears as he said, “I know I won’t be able to see independent Armenia, but hearing that we have an independent republic makes me go in peace.” I do not know how my grandfather would have felt had he been alive to see what has been happening to our homeland since 2020. 

When I talk to people, I often ask them about the important things they want to achieve and what legacy they wish to leave behind. While many express a desire to witness certain milestones in the lives of their loved ones, I often hear answers that resemble a bucket list of travel destinations and other enjoyable activities they want to experience. However, Only a few share a concrete and significant plan they hope to accomplish before leaving this world.

I have learned another important lesson from my wife, who shared her experience of spiritual preparation before receiving her first communion as a young Armenian Catholic. The nun who mentored her encouraged her to pray while receiving the sacrament for the first time to ask God to grant her to not taste death before receiving the Holy Communion. This idea is clearly reflected in the 19th stanza of St. Nerses Shenorhali’s prayer, “In Faith I Confess,” which states: “Bestower of mercy, grant that I may come to you in true faith and with good works, and by the communion of your holy body and blood. Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, great sinner that I am.”

Longing for Jesus at every moment, especially before leaving this world to see Him finally, is not only fulfilling but also provides solid hope for navigating life's challenges.