When we say that something is holy, it usually means that it is considered to be special because it is connected with God and used for worship or prayer.
When we say that a person is holy, what are the characteristics or traits of that person?
We can say that the person is in union with God by his way of life.
As the 1st reading puts it: that person obeys God and God's love comes to perfection in him.
The gospel mentions of a particular holy person, and he is Simeon.
Simeon was an upright and devout man. And more than that, the Holy Spirit rested on him.
And the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he would not see death until he has set eyes on the Christ of the Lord.
And it was upon the Holy Spirit's prompting that Simeon went to the Temple that day and his eyes finally saw the Saviour and he was ready to go in peace.
As we strive to obey the Lord's commands and live upright and devout lives, the Holy Spirit will reveal God's plan for us.
And like Mary, even when the sword of sorrow pierces our hearts, we will still be faithful to God and we will be at peace to accept God's will for us.