The Presentation of the Lord – Feast 

Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 23(24):7-10
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40

Today marks the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, commemorating the event forty days postnatally wherein Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple in accordance with Jewish law. During this ceremony, they presented two turtle doves as stipulated in Leviticus 12:8, which allowed for their substitution in lieu of a lamb sacrifice.

This act symbolizes the love and faithfulness exemplified in their parenting and partnership, embodying the notion that such virtues can thrive across various vocations when one adheres to divine commandments, ultimately leading to the attainment of wisdom.They had no lamb to offer while presenting they lamb of God.

A noteworthy aspect of this event is the figure of Simeon, who had been divinely promised that he would encounter the Messiah prior to his demise. Upon seeing the infant Jesus, Simeon proclaimed, “Lord, now you may let your servant go in peace, your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). This declaration is traditionally recited at Compline to entrust our lives and endeavors to God’s providential care.Nunc Dimittis.

This feast also highlights the “purification” of Mary, a significant ritual within Jewish culture. A woman presenting herself in the community forty days postpartum underscores the reverence inherent in ancient Jewish practices concerning birth and death. It might seem incongruous by modern standards, but it reflects a profound commitment to ritual purity.

The broader theological implication is the universal necessity for purification and redemption, as all humanity exists within a framework tainted by sin. It is through Jesus Christ, our Savior, that genuine cleansing and sanctity are made possible, enabling us to endure and participate in the divine glory.

The Gospel narrative concludes with the account of Jesus’ early development: “When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2:39-40).

Additionally, this day coincides with the World Day of Consecrated Life, established by St. John Paul II in 1997. This observance encourages prayer for those in consecrated life, who are tasked with manifesting the light of Christ to all nations.

Thus, on this dual observance, we recognize that Jesus is presented not only in the Temple but to each individual as the ultimate light for the nations. It invites us to respond by fulfilling His commands, reaching out to embrace Him within our hearts. Like Simeon, we are called to bear witness, and like Anna, to invite others to encounter Him. Our Lord desires communion with us, openly identifying us as His brethren (Hebrews 2:11).

Happy Feast Day

Fr Joseph Osho