Readings: Malachi 3:1-4, Ps. 24:7-10, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40
“As it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’, and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:23-24)
In the last three Sundays, we celebrated the first three mysteries of light: the baptism of Jesus, self-proclamation at the wedding feast at Cana, and the proclamation of the kingdom of God. Today, we celebrate the fourth joyful mystery: the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the temple.
Even though the Presentation of Jesus is a joyful mystery, it can be considered a moment of epiphany (enlightenment), especially for Simon and Anna, who immediately recognised Jesus as God. Let us now consider some lessons contained in the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple:
1. God Has Come Into His Temple.
As Malachi proclaims in today’s first reading, the God whom we seek (the long-awaited Messiah) has finally come into His temple. Hence, we began today’s Mass with a procession (holding lighted candles) into the Church. These candles represent Christ, the Light of the world, coming into His temple. Since we have escorted Christ into the temple like Mary and Joseph by holding lighted candles, let us seek to become lights in the world.
Jesus physically comes into the temple as a baby, but He is the king of kings. This is why today’s Responsorial Psalm proclaims, “O gates, lift high your heads, let Him enter the king of glory.” Simon and Anna, like everyone else, saw a baby, but they also had eyes to see beyond His form as a baby. They recognised and worshipped God in Jesus. Do you recognise God’s presence in the Holy Eucharist, or do you see only bread?
2. Be humble; No one is above the law.
Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the temple to do what the law prescribed. Making reference to Exodus 13:12-15 and Exodus 34:19, Luke writes: “As it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’” (Luke 2:23). This law was given to commemorate the last plague of the exodus; the death of all first-born males in Egypt.
In the case of Jesus, Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was God, meaning there was no need to bring the baby Jesus to the temple, but in humility (not wanting to appear like the special ones in their community), they followed the law. They presented God to God. Today’s Second Reading states: “He had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17).
Jesus chose to become like us in every respect. He never acted out of pride. Even when sinless, Jesus presented himself to John the Baptist for baptism. John the Baptist protested, but Jesus insisted, “Let it be done to fulfil all righteousness.” Throughout His public ministry, whenever Jesus cured the sick, he also insisted that they follow the procedure in Jewish law.
We live in a country where people feel that the laws of the land no longer apply to them because they are wealthy, powerful, or influential. We must learn from Mary and Joseph. The higher you go, the humbler you should be. Humility is power.
3. God Still Speaks Today
While Mary and Joseph tried appearing like every regular couple, the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus's divine identity to Simeon. God promised him that he would not die before seeing the long-awaited Messiah. How did Simon know Jesus’s true identity? In the same way, who told Anna about Jesus?
God still speaks in our world. The question is: “How prepared am I to receive Divine inspiration?” In other words, “When I am in the temple, do I listen to God?” Simon and Anna recognised God because they were actively listening. For instance, we are told that Anna, the prophetess, spent all her time in the temple praying and fasting. This shows that the more we encounter God in daily prayer, the more we hear from God.
4. Be Courageous to Speak the Truth
Simeon did not hide the unpleasant truth about Jesus from Mary. Prophecy is not telling people what they like to hear (or predicting the future); it is telling the truth. Simeon’s words affirm those of Malachi (in today’s first reading): “Who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?
“For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver” Jesus was not born to maintain the status quo; He came to shake things up – to purify us from sin. In Luke 12:49, Jesus declared: “I came to bring fire to the earth….”
5. Proper Upbringing of Children Begins with presenting them to God.
“When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and God's favour was upon him.” (Luke 2:39-40). If we want our children to grow strong and wise, we must present them to God. Do not assume that your children will get to know God or make the right choices in life on their own. The book of Proverbs says: “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we present ourselves to you today, free us from all inclinations to evil. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Presentation of the Lord – Feast. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Malachi 3:1-4, Ps. 24:7-10, Hebrews 2:14-18, Luke 2:22-40).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu