Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to celebrate the Feast of The Presentation of the Lord, a significant moment in our liturgical calendar. This feast commemorates the occasion when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in accordance with the Law of Moses. As they entered the temple, they fulfilled their covenantal duty, presenting their firstborn son to the Lord, recognising Him not only as their child but as the Saviour of the world.
In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter the figures of Simeon and Anna, who awaited the Messiah with unwavering faith. Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognises Jesus as the light of revelation to the Gentiles. His profound statement, “My eyes have seen your salvation,” captures the essence of God’s promise fulfilled. Anna, an elderly prophetess, confirms this recognition with her praise and gratitude, symbolising the hope that permeates our lives as Christians.
This event teaches us about the importance of recognising God’s presence in our lives. Just as Simeon and Anna were attentive to the Holy Spirit, we are called to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity. In our busy lives, how often do we pause to reflect on God’s action around us? Are we open to seeing Christ in the faces of others? Seeing Jesus in the least of our brothers and sisters is an invitation to be instruments of His light in a world often shrouded in darkness.
Moreover, the Presentation prompts us to consider our roles as bearers of Christ. Just as Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple, we are called to present ourselves and our gifts to God. Our vocation, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, is to share the love of Christ through our actions. Each of us has a unique calling to shine His light in the world.
As we celebrate this feast, let us also remember that the act of presentation is not merely a one-time event. It is a continual offering of ourselves to God, a daily surrender of our wills to His divine plan. May we learn from the example of Mary and Joseph to trust in God’s timing and purpose for our lives. Like Simeon and Anna, may we remain hopeful, dedicating ourselves to prayer and reflection, awaiting the moments when God reveals His presence anew.
In conclusion, let us take this opportunity to renew our commitment to recognising and presenting Christ in our lives. May we be inspired by the example of the Holy Family and the prophets and strive to embody the light of Christ for the world. May God bless you all on this sacred feast, as we go forth to live out our faith with joy and dedication.
Amen.
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 2-22-40
Glory to you, O Lord
When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord- observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord- and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.
Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:
‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel’.
As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel,
destined to be a sign that is rejected, and a sword will pierce your own soul too so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare’.
There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.