The Presentation of Our Lord - February 2, 2025
Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:10-11, 13b-18; Luke 2:22-40
A young boy named Daniel visited his grandfather every
Sunday after church. One day, his grandfather gave him a small, beautifully
wrapped box. Daniel, excited, eagerly tore it open, expecting a toy or some
candy. Instead, he found an old, simple wooden cross. Confused, he looked up at
his grandfather.
“This isn’t a toy,” Daniel said.
His grandfather smiled. “No, my boy. But it is a gift of
great value. This cross has been in our family for generations. It was given to
me by my father when I was your age, and now I present it to you.”
Daniel didn’t understand its worth at that moment, but over
time, as he grew in faith, he realized that this cross represented love,
sacrifice, and the promise of God’s presence in his life.
In today’s Gospel, Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the
temple, offering Him back to God. They may not have fully understood the
immense significance of that moment, but Simeon and Anna recognized it
immediately. Simeon calls Jesus the “light for revelation to the Gentiles” and
the “glory of Israel.” Just as Daniel only later realized the importance of his
grandfather’s gift, we, too, may only fully appreciate God’s gifts to us over
time.
The Presentation reminds us that our faith is not just about
receiving but about offering—giving back to God what He has given us, just as
Mary and Joseph did with Jesus.
May we, like Simeon, recognize Christ as the greatest gift
and, like Daniel, cherish the faith that has been passed down to us.
Today, we celebrate the beautiful Feast of the Presentation
of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. It marks the moment when Mary and Joseph
brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord,
according to Jewish law. This feast is rich in meaning, and it invites us to
reflect on three key themes: obedience, light, and hope.
Mary and Joseph, as devout Jews, followed the Law of Moses,
which required that every firstborn male be consecrated to the Lord (Luke
2:22-24). Though Jesus was the Son of God, His parents still humbly obeyed the
law. This teaches us the value of obedience and trust in God's plan. Many
times, we may not understand why we are asked to follow certain teachings of
the Church, such as prayer, Sunday Mass attendance, or acts of charity. But
just like Mary and Joseph, we are called to be faithful even in the little
things, trusting that God’s plan is greater than we can comprehend.
This feast is also known as Candlemas because, on this day,
candles are traditionally blessed and carried in procession. The candle
symbolizes Christ, who is the Light of the World. When Simeon took the baby
Jesus in his arms, he proclaimed, “My eyes have seen your salvation... a light
for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:30-32).
What does this mean for us? It reminds us that Jesus came to
shine light into the darkness of our world. He brings truth where there is
confusion, peace where there is anxiety, and hope where there is despair. Each
time we light a candle in prayer, it is a sign of Christ’s presence in our
lives. Let us ask ourselves today: Do I allow Christ’s light to shine in my
heart? Do I share His light with others through my words and actions?
The story of Simeon and Anna is one of deep faith and hope.
Simeon had been waiting for years to see the promised Messiah. When he finally
beheld Jesus, he knew his life’s waiting had not been in vain. Anna, an elderly
widow, also recognized Jesus and praised God, speaking about the child to all
who were waiting for redemption (Luke 2:38). Their example encourages us to be
patient and trust in God's timing.
Sometimes we may feel like our prayers are unanswered, that
we have been waiting too long for God to act. But today’s feast reassures us
that God always fulfils His promises. Simeon and Anna remind us to remain
faithful, even in times of waiting, because God’s plan is unfolding even when
we do not see it clearly.
As we celebrate this feast, let us strive to: Be obedient
like Mary and Joseph, following God’s will even when we do not fully understand
it.
Be bearers of Christ’s light in our homes, workplaces, and
communities.
Be people of hope, trusting in God’s promises and remaining
faithful in prayer.
As we receive the Eucharist today, let us ask the Lord to
strengthen our faith so that we, too, may recognize His presence in our daily
lives. May our hearts be like the Temple where Jesus was presented—open to
receive His light and love.
Mary, Joseph and Jesus model for us the life of the Holy
Family. Joseph exhibited great trust in God and demonstrated intense devotion
and love in caring for Mary and Jesus. Scripture does not quote a single word
of Joseph, and yet his actions speak volumes of a strong man devoted to God and
family. Mary, too, showed tremendous faith in God and trusted in God's love for
her. As wife, she helped Joseph in his quest for holiness. As mother, she cared
for Jesus with great love and tenderness. Both Mary and Joseph created the
environment which allowed Jesus to grow in wisdom and age and favour before God
and man. Jesus, for his part, was obedient to Mary and Joseph and obviously
loved them both very much. While today's
readings echo both, the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple and the
Purification of the Blessed Virgin, in its wisdom, the Catholic Church deemed
it more praiseworthy to place emphasis on the Feast of the Lord Jesus. The Gospel presents us with the offering of
Mary and Joseph of Jesus to God and Mary offering herself for the salvation of
humanity.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, who presented her Son to God,
help us to present our own lives in humble service to the Lord.
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