Reflection/Homily: Feast of the Presentation of
the Lord (February 2 2014)
Theme: Christ is the Light of the Nations
Today’s feast of the
presentation of the Lord also commemorates the purification of our Lady. The
Jewish law requires every firstborn son to be dedicated to the temple in honour
of the protection God granted the firstborn sons of the Israelites when the
angel of death visited the land of Egypt. This firstborn son is to be redeemed with
some sacrifices according to the same law. The law also required mothers to
perform a ritual of purification forty days after childbirth because of the
bleeding associated with childbirth (cf. Leviticus 12). Today, forty days after
Christmas, the Church commemorates these two events in this feast which is also
referred to as Candlemas. In the first reading (Mal. 3:1-4), the prophet
prophesied that God would send a messenger to clear the way for the Lord who
would suddenly enter the sanctuary. The Gospel reading (Luke 2:22-40) confirms
the fulfillment of this prophecy in the presentation of Jesus in the temple by
Mary and Joseph in the presence of Simeon and Anna. Today, Jesus also enters
the sanctuary as the light of the nations symbolized in our candlelights.
There are a number of
lessons we can learn from today’s feast. The first is that Mary after her
virginal birth had no need for ritual presentation and Jesus being God had no
need to be dedicated to God in the temple. Yet Mary and Joesph aware of this,
went ahead to fulfill the requirements of the Law and to introduce Jesus into
the Jewish religion. This teaches us the need to fulfill the requirements of
the law in our individual circumstances as Christians. Are there religious laws
and obligations you are yet to fulfill? This is a time to make up your mind to
fulfill those obligations which may include contracting a marriage the Catholic
way, fulfilling your financial obligations in the Church, receiving the
necessary sacraments, reconciling with the Church, etc. More still, the
collaboration between Mary and Joseph should teach parents the need to
collaborate in practicing their faith and in raising their children the
Christian way. As Mary and Joseph brought Christ to the temple, parents should
always bring their children to God through the examples of their actions. How
well do parents present their children to the Lord these days?
