“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word.” (Luke 2:29) Simeon was “righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.” So when he saw the infant Jesus, he was satisfied and boldly said, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word.” This was the inevitable outcome of communion with the Lord. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice, ‘Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.’” (Luke 1:41-44) In the same manner, “Seeing Jesus coming toward him, John said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me. I do not know him, but the reason why I am baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.’” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.’” (John 1:29-34) If one knows the Lord, it is impossible that there is no change. According to Simeon’s prophecy, since the infant Jesus “is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted,” it is logical that the Holy Mother’s heart will be pierced by a sword. As a matter of fact, when we suffer, we are sharing part of Christ’s Passion. We are closely linked to Christ. When Peter refused to have his feet washed by Jesus, Jesus said to him, “Unless I wash you, you have no inheritance with me.” (John 13:8) In the kingdom of heaven, we will share Christ’s glory. On earth, we also have to share Christ’s sufferings.