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Our Sunday Reflection, February 2, 2025 The Presentation of the Lord
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Mary and Joseph present the Lord Jesus in the temple.
Luke 2:22-40
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
When forty days had passed since Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple to consecrate him to the Lord, as was required by the Law. While they were there, the Holy Spirit guided the elderly Simeon and Anna to the baby, whom they recognized as Messiah and Savior. Exultantly they testified to his destiny. Gathered here today by the Holy Spirit, may we too encounter Christ in this place of worship, recognizing him in the breaking of the bread.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
It’s not every day that we get to hear from three different prophets, let alone three who see the Lord physically present in the temple. For Malachi, it’s anticipatory: he foresees the day when the LORD will come to the temple to purify the people of the covenant. In the case of Simeon and Anna, they recognize the Messiah in the temple though he is not even six weeks old. Moved by the Spirit, Simeon testifies that in the baby he sees salvation. Like the prophets, we hope that one day we too will see our Savior.Reflections
- In many countries, particularly in Europe, today’s feast is celebrated as Candle mas, named for the candles that are blessed today. They serve as symbols of Christ, the light of the world. When the infant Jesus was presented to the Lord in the temple, his identity and mission were revealed to the elderly Simeon and the prophet Anna, as a light reveals the contents of a room. If we listen carefully to Simeon’s testimony, we hear that Christ’s light revealed both good and bad, things both joyful and heartbreaking. Though Jesus would bring salvation and glory, many in Israel would fall and Mary herself would be pierced as by a sword. We recall Malachi’s bracing words regarding purification and sacrifice. Jesus shines a light on our redemption, but also on the cross we must bear.
- The letter to the Hebrews explains how this baby boy whom Simeon held could become the salvation of the world. He is God made flesh so that he could take our sins upon himself, suffer and die for them, and atone for them. When we receive him in the Eucharist, we receive his Body and Blood, which he sacrificed to gain our salvation.
- Today we celebrate a final manifestation of Jesus during his infancy. He was revealed to the shepherds on the night he was born, then to the magi many days later after they made their lengthy journey from the east. Today we celebrate that he was made manifest to Simeon and Anna when he was presented in the temple according to the Law. Of course, we know Jesus revealed himself in many ways during his earthly life—to his disciples, to those whom he healed, on the cross, at table in Emmaus. The truth is that he continues to reveal himself in the world. We pray that we may recognize him in this holy place, much as the Holy Spirit guided the devout Simeon and Anna to do so in the temple. We yearn to recognize him as well in our neighbor, for we know now of his promise that what we do for the least of them we do for him..
Question of the Week
How do I see myself as Simeon or Anna, encountering Christ in my place of worship? from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, February 2, 2025
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, February 2, 2025
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Offerings
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Reflections on the readings
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