presentation of our lord jesus christ

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

"A Light of Revelation to the Gentiles"

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Known originally as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a relatively ancient celebration. The Church at Jerusalem observed the feast as early as the first half of the fourth century, and likely earlier. The feast celebrates the presentation of Christ in the temple at Jerusalem on the 40th day after His birth.

Quick Facts

• Date:  February 2
• Type of Feast:  Feast
• Readings:  Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 ( full text here )
• Prayers:   Nunc  Dimities , the Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32); see below
• Other Names for the Feast:  Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, the Meeting of the Lord, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

History of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

According to Jewish law, the firstborn male child belonged to God, and the parents had to "buy him back" on the 40th day after his birth, by offering a sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons" ( Luke 2:24 ) in the temple (thus the "presentation" of the child). On that same day, the mother would be ritually purified (thus the "purification").

Saint Mary and Saint Joseph kept this law, even though, since Saint Mary remained a virgin after the birth of Christ, she would not have had to go through ritual purification. In his gospel, Luke recounts the story ( Luke 2:22-39 ).

When Christ was presented in the temple, "there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel" ( Luke 2:25 ) When Saint Mary and Saint Joseph brought Christ to the temple, Simeon embraced the Child and prayed the Canticle of Simeon:

Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel ( Luke 2:29-32 ).

The Original Date of the Presentation

Originally, the feast was celebrated on February 14, the 40th day after Epiphany (January 6), because Christmas wasn't yet celebrated as its own feast, and so the Nativity, Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany), and the feast celebrating Christ's first miracle at the wedding in Cana were all celebrated on the same day. By the last quarter of the fourth century, however, the Church at Rome had begun to celebrate the Nativity on December 25, so the Feast of the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days later.

Why Candlemas?

Inspired by the words of the Canticle of Simeon ("a light to the revelation of the Gentiles"), by the 11th century, the custom had developed in the West of blessing candles on the Feast of the Presentation. The candles were then lit, and a procession took place through the darkened church while the Canticle of Simeon was sung. Because of this, the feast also became known as Candlemas. While the procession and blessing of the candles is not often performed in the United States today, Candlemas is still an important feast in many European countries.

Reflections for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Introduction:    This feast commemorates how Jesus, as a baby, was presented to God in the Temple in Jerusalem. This presentation finds its complete and perfect fulfillment in the mystery of the passion, death and Resurrection of the Lord. The  Feast of the Presentation of the Lord   is a combined feast ,  commemorating the Jewish practice of the  purification of the mother  after childbirth and the  presentation of the child  to God in the Temple and his buying back ( redemption ) from God. It is also known as the  Feast of the Purification of Mary , and the Feast  of Candlemas.  It is also called the  Feast of Encounter  ( Hypapánte  in Greek) because the New Testament, represented by the baby Jesus, encountered the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna. Joseph offered two pigeons in the Temple as sacrifice for the purification of Mary after her childbirth and for the presentation and redemption ceremonies performed for baby Jesus.

Homily starter anecdote: “Four chaplains Sunday:  Julia Duin in the Washington Times Sunday, February 1, 2009 told this story. Just after midnight on Feb. 3, 1943, an act of extraordinary unselfishness by a group of men became a legend of martyrdom and sacrifice. When the Army ship Dorchester was torpedoed by the Germans just south of Greenland that night, its passengers and crew had 25 minutes to get off the boat. As 902 people went for the life jackets, it quickly was discovered there weren’t near enough. Of the 13 lifeboats, only two functioned. In the ship’s final minutes, Methodist senior chaplain George Lansing Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Dutch Reformed minister Clark V. Poling and John P. Washington, a Roman Catholic priest, were helping passengers leave the vessel. Then four men appeared all of them without life jackets. The chaplains quickly gave up their own vests and went down with the ship, perishing in the freezing water. Survivors saw them, locked arm in arm, praying and singing the Navy hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” just before the ship dove beneath the waves. It was a night as dramatic as the sinking of the Titanic but without a blockbuster movie to record the drama. “The Four Immortal Chaplains,” as they are now known, have been honored many times, including on a stamp issued in their honor by the U.S. Postal Service. Hence the first Sunday in February is known as “Four Chaplains Sunday” in some Christian denominations.  They presented and offered themselves completely for the wellbeing of others as Jesus was presented to God his Heavenly Father in the Temple of Jerusalem for the salvation of the world. ( http://frtonyshomilies.com/).

Scripture lessons summarized:   In the   first reading,  taken from Malachi, the prophet speaks of the Lord suddenly coming to Jerusalem to purify the lax, lazy and indifferent priests of His Temple as silver is purified by fire. Simeon saw the Infant Jesus as the fulfillment of this passage. He saw Jesus as the Lord Who has come to the Temple,  "destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel."    In the second reading,  St. Paul   proclaims Jesus as our Eternal High Priest of     the New Covenant (Heb 2:17), Who offered himself on the altar of Calvary, the only pure priestly sacrifice that could please God.    He replaces the former priesthood.  The Gospel  describes how Joseph, as the head of the Holy Family of Nazareth, presented Mary and the baby Jesus in the Temple of God for the mother’s purification and the Child’s “redemption.” It also describes the Holy Family’s encounter with the old prophet Simeon and the holy old widow Anna. In his prophecy, Simeon extols the divine blessings which the Messiah is bringing to Israel and to all men and predicts that Mary will play a crucial and sacrificial role in her Son's redemptive work by sharing in her Son's sufferings.

The first reading explained : Malachi prophesies in the first reading that the Lord is going to appear suddenly in the Temple of Jerusalem  to purify its priests and the people . The prophecy warns that nobody can endure the day of the messenger's coming because he will be like a refining fire, purifying the sons of Levi.  Led by the Spirit,  Simeon saw the Infant Jesus as the fulfillment of this passage .  Simeon, even if unknown to himself, foresaw Christ and His priests of the New Covenant who were ordained during the Last Supper. He saw Jesus as the Lord Who would come to the Temple,  "destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel."  In today's reading, Malachi prophesies that God will purify the lax, lazy and indifferent priests of His Temple as silver is purified by fire.  At the time of Malachi (around 460-450 BC), the priests were offering blemished (blind, lame) sacrifices and giving bad example (1:6-2:4).  The people were negligent in their support of the Temple (3:6-12). Israelite wives were being rejected by husbands who wished to marry foreign women (2:14-16). Social injustice was rampant (3:5), and the people doubted God’s love (1:2-5). Hence, Malachi reminds them that the Day of the Lord, a Day of Judgment, reward and retribution is coming. He describes the Divine intervention as a two-stage process. First God’s messenger will appear to prepare the way by purifying the clergy and refining the cult (v. 3). This purification will take place until they present offerings to the Lord in a spirit of justice and righteousness. Then, the Lord of Hosts will suddenly appear in the Temple (v. 1), to bring judgment and justice against unfaithful sinners (v. 5). The Psalm announces to Jerusalem that Jerusalem is about to receive a great visitor. The Psalmist identifies him as “The LORD of hosts … the king of glory.”

The second reading explained:  The second reading proclaims Jesus as our Eternal High Priest of the New Covenant (Heb 2:17), Who offered Himself on the altar of Calvary, the only pure priestly sacrifice that could please God. The  Didache  or the first catechism of the early Church (14:1-3), saw Malachi’s prophecy of a pure sacrifice and offering made from east to west as a prophecy of the sacrifice of the Eucharist.  Hence Malachi prophesies that the Lord will enter His Temple, there will be a renewed priesthood, and there will be a pure sacrifice offered worldwide and pleasing to God -- the Eucharist. Jesus became like us in all things except sin in order that He might offer to the Father perfect praise and glory.  Besides, since Jesus fully shared our experience, He is now a merciful and faithful High Priest on our behalf,  "able to help those who are being tested."   Jesus replaces the former priesthood. In keeping with the theme of today’s feast, namely, the presentation of the first fruits, this excerpt from Hebrews emphasizes Jesus’ dual role, as  first-fruits ,  par excellence , and as the  faithful High priest  Who presents the perfect gift of Himself to God for the expiation of human sin. By virtue of His Incarnation, Jesus became human in every way (vv. 17-18) except as regards sin. As representative of His brothers and sisters before God and as their Mediator, Christ perfected His service as both sacrifice and priest. By so doing, Christ was able to “rob the devil” of power (v. 14). As the first-fruits from the dead, as the conqueror of sin and death, Christ, in His person and through His mission, has set the course and cleared the way we are to follow; the decision to do so must be a daily and deliberate one.  It takes faith to see God's power at work in the death of Jesus.  Simeon hinted at this when he told Mary that she herself would be pierced with a sword.  Even knowing that her Son was the Savior of the world, it would be difficult for Mary to see him accomplish that salvation by being crucified.

Exegesis of today’s Gospel:  The birth of Christ was revealed by three kinds of witnesses in three different ways -- first, by the shepherds, after the angel's announcement; second, by the Magi, who were guided by a star; third, by Simeon and Anna, who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Today’s Gospel describes the Presentation of the Baby Jesus in the Temple. It was intended to ritually redeem Jesus who was the first born in the family and where Mary herself will have to be ritually purified. Mary and Joseph was a typical pious Jewish couple, who went to the Temple in obedience to do all that was required and expected of them by the Law.The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus is a combined feast , commemorating the Jewish practice of the purification of the mother after childbirth and the presentation of the child in the Temple. It is known as the Hypapánte   feast or Feast of the Purification of Mary (by the offering two pigeons in the Temple), the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (by prayers and a sacrifice offered in the Temple to redeem or buy the firstborn male child back from the Lord), the Feast of Candlemas (because of its ancient rite of blessing of the candles to be used in the church for the next year — a practice dating from the middle of the fifth century) and the Feast of Encounter (because the New Testament, represented by the Baby Jesus, encountered the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna). Originally, there was no connection between today’s festival and the blessing of candles.    In the ancient East, this celebration occurred on February 14, forty days after Epiphany.   On February 15, pagans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia , a great “light” festival.    Perhaps this is an instance of the Church's “baptizing” a pagan custom.    At the principal Mass, the celebrant blesses candles, and people take part in a candlelight procession.    This should remind us that Jesus is our High Priest and the Light of the World.

Purification and redemption ceremonies : The Gospel describes how Joseph, as the head of the Holy Family of Nazareth, presented Mary and the baby Jesus in the Temple of God for the mother’s purification and the child’s “redemption.” According to Leviticus 12:2-8, a woman who bore a child was unclean  for forty days following the birth of a son or eighty days following the birth of a daughter.   Although Mary, the most holy of women, ever-Virgin, was exempt from these precepts of the Law, because of her miraculous conception, she chose to submit herself to the Law just like any other Jewish mother. Joseph and Mary showed their total submission to Law and obey the norms prescribed by the Old Testament.  The custom was practiced probably for the physical and emotional re-integration of the new mother into the community. There was a religious reason as well. Exodus 13:2, 12-13 prescribes that every first-born male belongs to God and must be set apart for the Lord, that is, dedicated to the service of God.  However, once divine worship was reserved to the tribe of Levi, first-born who did not belong to that tribe were not dedicated to God's service, and to show that they continued to be God's special property, a rite of redemption was performed. The Law also commanded that the Israelites should offer in sacrifice some lesser victim -- for example, a lamb or, if they were poor, a pair of doves or two pigeons.  The Book of Numbers 18: 15 taught that since every Jewish firstborn male child belonged to Yahweh, the parents had to “buy back” (redeem), the child by offering a lamb or turtledoves as a sacrifice in the Temple. The price of redemption for a human baby is five shekels of silver (Num 18:15-16). Jesus never needed to be "bought back," as he belonged wholly to the Lord, but Joseph kept these laws as an act of obedience to God. 

The encounter with Simeon and Anna :   By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the old, pious and Spirit-filled Simeon and Anna had been waiting in the Temple for the revelation of God’s salvation. The Greek Church celebrates the Hypapánte or Feast of the Encounter commemorating the encounter of the New Testament represented by Jesus with the Old Testament represented by Simeon and Anna. Simeon, who is described as a righteous and devout man, obedient to God's will, addresses himself to our Lord as a vassal or loyal servant who, having kept watch all his life in expectation of the coming of his Lord, sees that this moment has "now" come, the moment that explains his whole life.  When he takes the Child in his arms, he learns, not through any reasoning process but through a special grace from God, that this Child is the promised Messiah, the Consolation of Israel, the Light of the nations.  Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Lord’s anointed one, and in his prayer of blessing he prophesies that Jesus is meant to be the glory of Israel and the light of revelation to the Gentiles. Pope Francis: “Simeon took him in his arms and thanked God that he had finally “seen” salvation. Anna, despite her advanced age, found new vigor and began to speak to everyone about the Baby. It is a beautiful image: two young parents and two elderly people, brought together by Jesus. He is the one who brings together and unites generations! He is the inexhaustible font of that love which overcomes every occasion of self-absorption, solitude, and sadness. In your journey as a family, you share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, housework, leisure, prayer, trips and pilgrimages, and times of mutual support… Nevertheless, if there is no love then there is no joy, and authentic love comes to us from Jesus. He offers us his word, which illuminates our path; he gives us the Bread of life which sustains us on our journey.”

Simeon’s prophecy: Simeon's canticle (verses 29-32) is also a prophecy.  It consists of two stanzas: the first (verses 29-30) is his act of thanksgiving to God, filled with profound joy for having seen the Messiah.  The second (verses 31-32) is more obviously prophetic and extols the divine blessings which the Messiah is bringing to Israel and to all men.  The canticle highlights the fact that Christ brings redemption to all men without exception -- something foretold in many Old Testament prophecies (cf. Genesis 22:18; Isaiah 2:6; 42:6; 60:3; Psalm 28:2). While Simeon blessed Mary, he warned her that her child would be “ a sign of contradiction, ” and that she would be “ pierced with a sword.” Simeon was prophesying both the universal salvation that would be proclaimed by Jesus and the necessity of suffering in the mission of the Messiah. Jesus came to bring salvation to all men, yet He would be a sign of contradiction because some people would obstinately reject Him -- and for this reason He would be their ruin.  But for those who would accept Him with faith, Jesus would be their salvation, freeing them from sin in this life and raising them up to eternal life. The Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph marveled, but not because they did not know who Christ was. They were in awe at the way God was revealing Him. 

The paradox of blessedness:  Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God.  That blessedness also would become a sword which would pierce her heart as her Son died upon the cross. The words Simeon addressed to Mary announced that she would be intimately linked with her Son's redemptive work.  The sword indicated that Mary would have a share in her Son's sufferings. Her suffering would be an unspeakable pain which would pierce her soul.  Our Lord suffered on the cross for our sins, and it is those sins which forged the sword of Mary's pain.  Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow.  But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises.  Jesus promised his disciples, "no one will take your joy from you" (John 16:22).  The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way.  Do you know the joy of a life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust? According to Dr. Scot Hann, the feast we celebrate shows a curious turn of events. The Redeemer is redeemed. She who is all-pure presents herself to be purified. Such is the humility of our God. Such is the humility of the Blessed Virgin. They submit to the law even though they are not bound by it.

Anna’s encounter with the Lord and her testifying to the Messiah:  Anna was an eighty-four-year-old widow who spent her days in the Temple in fasting and prayer, waiting for the promised Messiah. She was rewarded with the joy of seeing her Redeemer as a Baby. In her excitement, she praised God and introduced the Infant to others around her as the expected Messiah. Supernatural hope grows with prayer and age!  Anna was pre-eminently a woman of great hope and expectation that God would fulfill all his promises. She is a model of godliness for all believers as we advance in age.  Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope placed rightly. Anna's hope in God and His promises grew with age. She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with hope.  Her hope and faith in God's promises fueled her indomitable zeal and fervor in prayer and the service of God's people. We grow in hope by placing our trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and relying not on our own strength, but on the grace and help of the Holy Spirit. After completing the presentation and redemption of baby Jesus and the ritual purification of Mary and the meeting with Simeon and Anna, Joseph and Mary understood more fully their responsibility before God to protect the child as they return to Nazareth

Life messages : 1)  Every Holy Mass in which we participate is our presentation . Although we were officially presented to God on the day of our Baptism, we present ourselves and our dear ones on the altar before God our Father through our Savior Jesus Christ at every Holy Mass. Hence, we need to live our daily lives with the awareness both that we are dedicated people consecrated to God and that we are obliged to lead holy lives.

2) We need the assistance of the Holy Spirit to recognize the presence of Jesus in ourselves and in others: All those who, like Simeon and Anna, persevere in piety and in the service of God, no matter how insignificant their lives seem in men's eyes, become instruments the Holy Spirit uses to make Christ known to others. In His plan of redemption, God makes use of these simple souls to do much good for all mankind. In other words, The Holy Spirit employs ordinary men and women with simple faith as His instruments to bear witness to Christ, His ideals and teachings, just as He used Simeon and Anna.  The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to us when we are receptive and eager to receive Him.  Let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us to recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with us and in others.  (Fr. Antony Kadavil)

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Presentation of the Lord

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Image: Saint Bernard Church, Burkettsville, OH | v | photo by Nheyob

Saint of the day for february 2.

The Story of the Presentation of the Lord

At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Her journal, discovered in 1887, gives an unprecedented glimpse of liturgical life there. Among the celebrations she describes is the Epiphany, the observance of Christ’s birth, and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she was to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.” Contact with anyone who had brushed against mystery—birth or death—excluded a person from Jewish worship. This feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple more than Mary’s purification.

The observance spread throughout the Western Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. Because the Church in the West celebrated Jesus’ birth on December 25, the Presentation was moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas.

At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: Candlemas.

In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of Saint Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day’s end.

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Luke 2:22-38 English Standard Version

Jesus presented at the temple.

22  And ( A ) when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem ( B ) to present him to the Lord 23  (as it is written in ( C ) the Law of the Lord, ( D ) “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24  and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in ( E ) the Law of the Lord, ( F ) “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” 25  Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was ( G ) righteous and ( H ) devout, ( I ) waiting for ( J ) the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not ( K ) see death before he had seen ( L ) the Lord's Christ. 27  And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when ( M ) the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28  he took him up in his arms and ( N ) blessed God and said,

29  “Lord, now you are letting your servant [ a ] depart ( O ) in peace,      ( P ) according to your word; 30  for ( Q ) my eyes have seen your ( R ) salvation 31       ( S ) that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32  ( T ) a light for revelation to the Gentiles,      and ( U ) for glory to ( V ) your people Israel.”

33  And ( W ) his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34  And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed ( X ) for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign ( Y ) that is opposed 35  (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

36  And there was ( Z ) a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37  and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. [ b ] She did not depart from the temple, ( AA ) worshiping with ( AB ) fasting and prayer night and day. 38  And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were ( AC ) waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

• Luke 2:29 Or bondservant
• Luke 2:37 Or as a widow for eighty-four years

Cross references

• Luke 2:22 : Lev. 12; [ver. 21, 27; Gal. 4:4]
• Luke 2:22 : [1 Sam. 1:22, 24]
• Luke 2:23 : ver. 39; Ex. 13:9; 2 Chr. 31:3
• Luke 2:23 : [Ex. 13:2, 12]
• Luke 2:24 : [See ver. 23 above]; ver. 39; Ex. 13:9; 2 Chr. 31:3
• Luke 2:24 : Cited from Lev. 12:8
• Luke 2:25 : ch. 1:6
• Luke 2:25 : Acts 2:5; 8:2; 22:12
• Luke 2:25 : ver. 38; ch. 23:51; Isa. 25:9; Mark 15:43; [Gen. 49:18]
• Luke 2:25 : Isa. 40:1; 57:18
• Luke 2:26 : Ps. 89:48; John 8:51; Heb. 11:5; [Acts 2:27]
• Luke 2:26 : [ch. 9:20; 23:35; 1 Sam. 24:6]
• Luke 2:27 : ver. 33, 41, 43, 48-51
• Luke 2:28 : ch. 1:64
• Luke 2:29 : Gen. 15:15
• Luke 2:29 : ver. 26
• Luke 2:30 : Isa. 52:10
• Luke 2:30 : See ch. 3:6
• Luke 2:31 : Ps. 98:2; See ch. 24:47
• Luke 2:32 : Isa. 42:6; 49:6; 52:10; 60:3; John 8:12; Acts 13:47; 26:23
• Luke 2:32 : [Isa. 45:25; 46:13]
• Luke 2:32 : ver. 10
• Luke 2:33 : ver. 27
• Luke 2:34 : [Isa. 8:14; Matt. 21:44; John 9:39; 1 Cor. 1:23, 24; 2 Cor. 2:16; 1 Pet. 2:8, 9]
• Luke 2:34 : Acts 28:22
• Luke 2:36 : See Ex. 15:20
• Luke 2:37 : 1 Tim. 5:5
• Luke 2:37 : ch. 5:33; Matt. 6:16-18; Acts 13:2; 14:23; 2 Cor. 6:5; 11:27
• Luke 2:38 : ver. 25; See ch. 1:68

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

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CELEBRATION OF VESPERS FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD  ON THE OCCASION OF THE 15th DAY OF CONSECRATED LIFE

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Vatican Basilica Wednesday, 2 February 2011

( Video ) Photo Gallery

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On today’s Feast we contemplate the Lord Jesus, whom Mary and Joseph bring to the Temple “to present him to the Lord” (Lk 2:22). This Gospel scene reveals the mystery of the Son of the Virgin, the consecrated One of the Father who came into the world to do his will faithfully ( cf . Heb 10:5-7).

Simeon identifies him as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Lk 2:32) and announces with prophetic words his supreme offering to God and his final victory ( cf . Lk 2:32-35). This is the meeting point of the two Testaments, Old and New. Jesus enters the ancient temple; he who is the new Temple of God: he comes to visit his people, thus bringing to fulfilment obedience to the Law and ushering in the last times of salvation.

It is interesting to take a close look at this entrance of the Child Jesus into the solemnity of the temple, in the great comings and goings of many people, busy with their work: priests and Levites taking turns to be on duty, the numerous devout people and pilgrims anxious to encounter the Holy God of Israel. Yet none of them noticed anything. Jesus was a child like the others, a first-born son of very simple parents.

Even the priests proved incapable of recognizing the signs of the new and special presence of the Messiah and Saviour. Alone two elderly people, Simeon and Anna, discover this great newness. Led by the Holy Spirit, in this Child they find the fulfilment of their long waiting and watchfulness. They both contemplate the light of God that comes to illuminate the world and their prophetic gaze is opened to the future in the proclamation of the Messiah: “ Lumen ad revelationem gentium !” (Lk 2:32). The prophetic attitude of the two elderly people contains the entire Old Covenant which expresses the joy of the encounter with the Redeemer. Upon seeing the Child, Simeon and Anna understood that he was the Awaited One.

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is an eloquent image of the total gift of one’s life for all those, men and women, who are called to represent “ the characteristic features of Jesus — the chaste, poor and obedient one” (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Vita Consecrata , n. 1) in the Church and in the world, through the evangelical counsels. For this reason Venerable John Paul II chose today’s Feast to celebrate the Annual World Day of Consecrated Life.

In this context, I would like to offer a cordial and appreciative greeting to Archbishop João Braz de Aviz, whom I recently appointed Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, along with the Secretary and the co-workers. I also greet with affection the Superiors General present and all the consecrated people.

I would like to suggest three brief thoughts for reflection on this Feast. The first: the evangelical image of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple contains the fundamental symbol of light; the light that comes from Christ and shines on Mary and Joseph, on Simeon and Anna, and through them, on everyone. The Fathers of the Church connected this radiance with the spiritual journey. The consecrated life expresses this journey, in a special way, as “ philokalia ”, love of the divine beauty, a reflection of God’s divine goodness ( cf . ibid ., n. 19). On Christ’s Face the light of such beauty shines forth.

“The Church contemplates the transfigured face of Christ in order to be confirmed in faith and to avoid being dismayed at his disfigured face on the Cross.... she is the Bride before her Spouse, sharing in his mystery and surrounded by his light. This light shines on all the Church’s children.... But those who are called to the consecrated life have a special experience of the light which shines forth from the Incarnate Word. For the profession of the evangelical counsels makes them a kind of sign and prophetic statement for the community of the breth-ren and for the world” ( ibid ., n. 15).

Secondly, the evangelical image portrays the prophecy, a gift of the Holy Spirit. In contemplating the Child Jesus, Simeon and Anna foresee his destiny of death and Resurrection for the salvation of all peoples and they proclaim this mystery as universal salvation.

The consecrated life is called to bear this prophetic witness, linked to its two-fold contemplative and active approach. Indeed consecrated men and women are granted to show the primacy of God, passion for the Gospel practised as a form of life and proclaimed to the poor and the lowliest of the earth.

“Because of this pre-eminence nothing can come before personal love of Christ and of the poor in whom he lives.... True prophecy is born of God, from friendship with him, from attentive listening to his word in the different circumstances of history” ( ibid ., n. 84).

In this way the consecrated life in its daily experience on the roads of humanity, displays the Gospel and the Kingdom, already present and active.

Thirdly, the evangelical image of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple demonstrates the wisdom of Simeon and Anna, the wisdom of a life completely dedicated to the search for God’s Face, for his signs, for his will; a life dedicated to listening to and proclaiming his word. “ Faciem tuam, Domine, requiram : ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek’ (Ps 27 [26]:8).... Consecrated life in the world and in the Church is a visible sign of this search for the face of the Lord and of the ways that lead to the Lord ( cf . Jn 14:8) .... The consecrated person, therefore, gives witness to the task, at once joyful and laborious, of the diligent search for the divine will” ( cf . Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Instruction The Service of Authority and Obedience. Faciem tuam, Domine, requiram [2008], n. 1).

Dear brothers and sisters, may you be assiduous listeners to the word, because all wisdom concerning life comes from the word of the Lord! May you seek the word, through lectio divina, since consecrated life “is born from hearing the word of God and embracing the Gospel as its rule of life. A life devoted to following Christ in his chastity, poverty and obedience thus becomes a living ‘exegesis’ of God’s word. The Holy Spirit, in whom the Bible was written, is the same Spirit who illumines the word of God with new light for the Founders and Foundresses. Every charism and every Rule springs from it and seeks to be an expression of it, thus opening up new pathways of Christian living marked by the radicalism of the Gospel” (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Verbum Domini , n. 83).

Today, especially in the more developed societies, we live in a condition often marked by a radical plurality, by the progressive marginalization of religion in the public sphere and by relativism which touches the fundamental values. This demands that our Christian witness be luminous and consistent and that our educational effort be ever more attentive and generous.

May your apostolic action, in particular, dear brothers and sisters, become a commitment of life that with persevering enthusiasm attains to Wisdom as truth and as beauty, the “splendour of the truth”. May you, with the wisdom of your life and with trust in the inexhaustible possibilities of true education, guide the minds and hearts of the men and women of our time towards a “good life according to the Gospel”.

At this moment, my thoughts turn with special affection to all of the consecrated men and women throughout the world and I entrust them to the Blessed Virgin Mary :

O, Mary, Mother of the Church, I entrust all consecrated people to you, that you may obtain for them the fullness of divine light: may they live in listening to the Word of God, in the humility of following Jesus, your Son and our Lord, in the acceptance of the visit of the Holy Spirit, in the daily joy of the Magnificat , so that the Church may be edified by the holy lives of these sons and daughters of yours, in the commandment of love. Amen.

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The Feast of the Presentation

According to the Church’s liturgical calendar, the feast held on Feb. 2 each year is in honor of the Presentation of the Lord. Some Catholics recall this day as the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary because such was the feast day named until the 1969 changes in the Church’s calendar.

In fact, according to Luke’s Gospel, the presentation of Jesus and the purification of the Blessed Mother took place in the Temple on the same day, and both are remembered during Mass on Feb. 2. Also, in several countries, Candlemas is simultaneously celebrated on this day and involves a candlelight procession that was popularized in the Middle Ages. Until the Second Vatican Council the feasts on Feb. 2 ended the Christmas season. Today, the season ends in January on the feast of the Baptism of our Lord.

As early as the fourth century Christians commemorated the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, but, at the time, there was no feast name attached. In seventh-century Rome, the Church named the celebration the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mother Mary, and it remained that way for nearly 1,300 years. In the reforms after Vatican II, the feast was given a stronger focus on Jesus (by stressing the Presentation of Jesus), but clearly the events of purification and presentation that took place when Jesus was 40 days old (see Lk 2:22-39) are tied together and thus commemorated together.

Purification and Presentation

Under Mosaic law found in the Old Testament Book of Leviticus, a Jewish woman who gave birth to a child was considered unclean (see 12:1-8). The mother of a newborn could not routinely go out into public and had to avoid all things sacred, including the Temple. If her child was a male, this exclusion lasted for 40 days. If the child was female, the period lasted 80 days. This was a ceremonial seclusion and not the result of sin or some kind of wrongdoing on the part of the mother.

At the end of the 40 or 80 days the woman presented herself at the Temple to be purified. If the baby was her firstborn male child, the infant was brought along to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord. The law in Exodus specifies that the first male child belongs to God (see 13:2-16). This law is a tribute to God for His sparing the firstborn Israelite males during the time of the Exodus from Egypt. The firstborn Egyptian male children, of course, were not spared.

The mother’s purification ritual obliged her to bring, or purchase at the Temple, a lamb and a turtledove as sacrificial offerings. The lamb was offered in thanksgiving to God for the successful birth of the child; the turtledove was a sin offering. Families that could not afford a lamb could bring two pigeons or two turtledoves. After these animals were sacrificed, the Temple priest prayed over the woman and she could once again resume her normal role or status.

Mary, the ever spotless Mother of God, certainly did not have to comply with this ritual, but did so to honor God and observe all the rules handed down by Moses. She was the holiest of all women, but she still submitted to the humbling requirements of the law. She remained at home for 40 days, denied herself all association with sacred things and on the day required walked the five miles from Bethlehem to the Temple in Jerusalem. Arriving at the Temple, Mary likely stood in line and waited her turn to see the priest.

Nunc Dimittis

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus, Mary and Joseph go to the Temple offering two turtledoves for Mary’s purification. Along with Mary’s willing submission, Jesus is presented into the hands of the priest and thus to God. In accordance with the Old Testament, the child was blessed and then bought or ransomed back by the family who would pay five shekels into the Temple treasury. The Savior of the world is ransomed in the manner of every other Hebrew boy. “When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord’”(Lk 2:22-24; see Nm 18:15-16).

The Gospel of Luke explains that the old prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna were at the Temple that day (see 2:22-38). They, like many others, had spent their lifetime waiting, longing for a Messiah, and the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Savior. Among all the children and mothers coming into the Temple, Simeon recognized Jesus as the Christ Child; he held Jesus and exclaimed this hymn of thanksgiving, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (2:29-32). The hymn has traditionally been termed the Nunc Dimittis , from the Latin, “ Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace .”

Like Mary, Jesus the Divine Son of God did not have to undergo these rituals, but His parents willingly complied in order to pay tribute to Jewish laws, to avoid any possible scandal and in so doing demonstrated profound humility. They acquiesced to the law like all poor Jewish families.

The Holy Family must have experienced great joy, even wonder at all that had happened to them. Consider the events of the previous weeks. First, the shepherds miraculously arrived to adore and praise Jesus on the night He was born. And now, Simeon, another stranger, singles out Jesus as the Savior, not only of Israel but of the world. Someday all the other children being presented will know Jesus as their Savior. But here in the Temple there is also pain. The old prophet, moved by the Holy Spirit, tells Mary that she will experience unspeakable grief because of the outrageous way the world would judge and treat her Son. But Mary remained always committed to God’s will and to her Son.

Feb. 2 is on the liturgical calendar as the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, but in addition to the presentation, the Mass recalls Mary’s humble submission to the purification ritual.

D.D. Emmons writes from O’Fallon, Ill.  

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THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD

Feast: February 2

A great mystery is honored this day, regarding the person of our Redeemer, viz. his presentation in the temple. Besides the law which obliged the mother to purify herself, 1 there was another which ordered that the first-born son should be offered to God: 2 and in these two laws were included several others, as, that the child, after its presentation, should be ransomed 3 with a certain sum of money 4 , and peculiar sacrifices offered on the occasion.

Mary complies exactly with all these ordinances. She obeys not only in the essential points of the law, as in presenting herself to be purified, and in her offering her first-born, but has strict regard to all the circumstances. She remains forty days at home, she denies herself all this time the liberty of. entering the temple, she partakes not of things sacred, though the living temple of the God of Israel; and on the day of her purification, she walks several miles to Jerusalem, with the world's Redeemer in her arms. She waits for the priest at the gate of the temple, makes her offerings of thanksgiving and expiation, presents her divine Son by the hands of the priest to his eternal Father, with the most profound humility, adoration, and thanksgiving. She then redeems him with five shekels, as the law appoints, and receives him back again as a depositum in her special care, till the Father shall again demand him for the full accomplishment of man's redemption. It is clear that Christ was not comprehended in the law; "The king's son, to whom the inheritance of the crown belongs, is exempt from servitude:  much more Christ, who was the Redeemer both of our souls and bodies, was not subject to any law by which he was to be himself redeemed," as St. Hilary observes. 5 But he would set an example of humility, obedience, and devotion: and would renew, in a solemn and public manner, and in the temple, the oblation of himself to his Father for the accomplishment of his will, and the redemption of man, which he had made privately in the first moment of his Incarnation. With what sentiments did the divine Infant offer himself to his Father at the same time! the greatest homage of his honour and glory the Father could receive, and a sacrifice of satisfaction adequate to the injuries done to the Godhead by our sins, and sufficient to ransom our souls from everlasting death! With what cheerfulness and charity did he offer himself to all his torments! to be whipped, crowned with thorns, and ignominiously put to death for us!

Let every Christian learn hence to offer himself to God with this divine victim, through which he may be accepted by the Father; let him devote himself with all his senses and faculties to his service. If sloth, or any other vice, has made us neglectful of this essential duty, we must bewail past omissions, and make a solemn and serious consecration of ourselves this day to the divine majesty with the greater fervor, crying out with St. Austin, in compunction of heart: "Too late have I known thee, too late have I begun to love thee, O beauty more ancient than the world!" But our sacrifice, if we desire it may be accepted, must not be lame and imperfect. It would be an insult to offer to God, in union with his Christ, a divided heart, or a heart infected with wilful sin. It must therefore first be cleansed by tears of sincere compunction: its affections must be crucified to the world by perfect mortification. Our offering must be sincere and fervent, without reserve, allowing no quarter to any of our vicious passions and inclinations, and no division in any of our affections. It must also be universal; to suffer and to do all for the divine honor. If we give our hearts to Christ in this manner, we shall receive him with his graces and benedictions. He would be presented in the temple by the hands of his mother: let us accordingly make the offering of our souls through Mary and beg his graces through the same channel.

The ceremony of this day was closed by a third mystery, the. meeting in the temple of the holy persons, Simeon and Anne, with Jesus and his parents, from which this festival was anciently called by the Greeks Hypante, the meeting. Holy Simeon, on that occasion, received into his arms the object of all his desires and sighs, and praised God in raptures of devotion for being blessed with the happiness of beholding the so much longed-for Messias. He foretold to Mary her martyrdom of sorrow; and that Jesus brought redemption to those who would accept of it on the terms it was offered them; but a heavy judgment on all infidels who should obstinately reject it, and on Christians also whose lives were a contradiction to his holy maxims and example. Mary, hearing this terrible prediction, did not answer one word, felt no agitation of mind from the present, no dread for the future; but courageously and sweetly committed all to God's holy will. Anne also, the prophetess, who, in her widowhood, served God with great fervor, had the happiness to acknowledge and adore in this great mystery the world's Redeemer. Amidst the crowd of priests and people, the Saviour of the world is known only by Simeon and Anne. Even when he disputed with the doctors, and when he wrought the most stupendous miracles, the learned, the wise, and the princes did not know him. Yet here, while a weak, speechless child, carried in the arms of his poor mother, he is acknowledged and adored by Simeon and Anne. He could not hide himself from those who sought him with fervor, humility, and ardent love. Unless we seek him in these dispositions, he will not manifest himself, nor communicate his graces to us. Simeon, having beheld his Saviour in the flesh, desired no longer to see the light of this world, nor any creatures on earth If we truly love God, our distance from him must be a continual pain: and we must sigh after that desired moment which will free us from the danger of ever losing him by sin, and will put us in possession of Him who is the joy of the blessed, and the infinite treasure of heaven. Let us never cease to pray that he purify our hearts from all earthly dross, and draw them to himself: that he heal, satiate, and inflame our souls, as he only came upon earth to kindle in all hearts the fire of his love.

1Levit. xii. 2, 8

2 Luke ii 23.

3 Exod. xiii. 13.

4 St. Hilar. in Matt. c. 17, n. 11, pp. 696, 697.

5 This from Levit. xxvii. 6. and Numb. iii. 47, appears to have been five shekels, each shekel weighing, according to Prideaux, ( Preface to Connection of the Old and New Testament , p. xvii.) about three shillings of our money: so that the five amounted to about fifteen shillings sterling. (Taken from Vol. I of "The Lives or the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints" by the Rev. Alban Butler, the 1864 edition published by D. & J. Sadlier, & Company)

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Introduction

This feast, celebrated on February 2, is known in the Orthodox Church as The Presentation of Christ in the Temple. Another name for the feast is The Meeting of our Lord. Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians call the feast, The Purification of the Holy Virgin. About 450 AD in Jerusalem, people began the custom of holding lighted candles during the Divine Liturgy of this feast day. Therefore, some churches in the West refer to this holy day as Candlemas. The Feast of the Presentation concludes the observances related to the Nativity of Christ, a period that opened on November 15 with the beginning of the Nativity fast.

Biblical Story

The story of the Presentation is told in Luke 2:22-29. Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews and observed their religious customs. An important custom was for the couple to take their first-born son to the Temple. The baby was taken to the Temple forty days after his birth and was dedicated to God. In addition, if the parents were wealthy, they were to bring a lamb and a young pigeon or a turtle dove to be offered as a sacrifice at the Temple. The custom provided that if the parents were poor, they were to offer two pigeons or two turtle doves for the sacrifice.

When Jesus was forty days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple in Jerusalem. They were not wealthy, so they took two turtle doves with them to offer as a sacrifice at the Temple. As they arrived at the Temple, Mary and Joseph were met by a very old man named Simeon. He was a holy man and was noted as a very intelligent scholar. Simeon spent much time studying about the prophets of Israel. It was during his studies that he learned of the coming of the Messiah. The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to come and deliver Israel from their conquerors. From that time on, Simeon spent his time praying for the Messiah to come. He spent many years in prayer. Finally, while Simeon was praying he heard the voice of God. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

"Lord, now let Your servant go in peace according to Your promise, because my eyes have seen Your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory to your people Israel."

Also, in the Temple was Anna the Prophetess. She had been a widow for many years. Anna was about eighty-four years old and spent her time in the Temple worshiping, fasting, and praying. When she saw the Christ Child she praised God and spoke of him to all who were awaiting the Messiah.

After Jesus was presented in the Temple, the family returned to Galilee to the town of Nazareth. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew and became strong, and was filled with wisdom.

Icon of the Feast

The Holy Icon shows that the meeting takes place inside the Temple and in front of the altar. The altar has a book or a scroll on it and is covered by a canopy. The Theotokos stands to the left and is holding out her hands in a gesture of offering. The one hand of the Theotokos is covered by her cloak or as it is known, the maphorion. She has just handed her Son to Simeon.

Christ is shown as a child, but He is not in swaddling clothes. He is clothed in a small dress and his legs are bare. Jesus appears to be giving a blessing. Simeon holds Jesus with both hands which are covered. This shows the reverence Simeon had for the Messiah. Simeon is bare headed and there is nothing to show that he is a priest. Some biblical scholars say that Simeon was probably a priest of the Temple or a Doctor of the Law.

Joseph is behind the Theotokos. He is carrying the two turtle doves for the sacrifice. Anna the Prophetess is also standing behind the Theotokos and is pointing to the Christ child.

The words Simeon spoke when he saw the Christ Child are known as "St. Simeon's Prayer." This prayer is sung daily at the evening Vespers services of the Orthodox Church.

In the Orthodox Church, both baby boys and baby girls are taken to the Church on the fortieth day after their birth. This is done in remembrance of the Theotokos and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the Temple.

Orthodox Celebration of the Feast of the Presentation

This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is conducted on the day of the Feast and preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the Feast. Scripture readings for the Feast are the following: at Great Vespers – extracts from Exodus 12:15-13:16; Leviticus 12 and Numbers 8; Isaiah 6:1-12, and 19:1,3-5,12,16,19-21; at Matins – Luke 2:25-32; at the Divine Liturgy –Hebrews 7:7-17 and Luke 2:22-40.

The Story of the Icons by Dr. Mary Paloumpis Hallick.  The Festal Menaion translated by Mother Mary (South Canaan, PA: St. Tikhon’s Seminary Press, 1969) p. 60. The Incarnate God: The Feasts of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, Cathering Aslanoff, editor and Paul Meyendorff, translator (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1995). Festival Icons for the Christian Year by John Baggley (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 2000), pp. 40-47.

Hymns from the Presentation of Christ

Apolytikion (First Tone) Hail Virgin Theotokos full of Grace, for Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, has dawned from you, granting light to those in darkness. And you, O Righteous Elder, rejoice, taking in Your arms, the Deliverance of our souls, who grants us Resurrection.

Kontakion (First Tone) Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom you love, as only the loving one

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Presentation of our lord jesus christ in the temple, the.

A feast of our Lord celebrated on Feb. 2, also known as Candlemas and the Feast of the Purification. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus and the purification of Mary in the Jerusalem Temple forty days after Jesus' birth, in accordance with the requirements of Jewish law (Lv 12:2-8). The feast is celebrated about forty days after Christmas. According to the account of Lk 2:22-39, the presentation of Jesus was also the occasion of the meeting of Jesus with Simeon and Anna. Simeon's prayer of blessing is the basis for the canticle Nunc dimittis (see BCP, p. 120). Celebration of the feast dates from the fourth century in Jerusalem. It was introduced in Rome in the seventh century, where it included a procession with candles and the singing of the Nunc dimittis. The celebration came to include the lighting and blessing of candles which were carried in procession. This feast was known as “Candlemas.” See Nunc dimittis.

Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “ An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians ,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.

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Catholic readings, daily reflections, bible verse of the day, healing prayer, morning prayer, saint of the day, feast of the presentation of the lord at the temple – luke 2:22-40, translate to your language.

February 2 2024: Bible Verse of the Day – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord at the Temple, Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas – Luke 2:22-40

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” – Luke 2:22-40

Catholic Readings For Today

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas

Today’s Morning Prayer

Today’s Bible Verse of the Day Reflections

We celebrate, today, the glorious event of Jesus being presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Simeon, a “righteous and devout” man, had been waiting for this moment throughout his life. The passage above is what he spoke when the moment finally arrived.

This is a profound statement that came from a humble and faith-filled heart. Simeon was saying something like this: “Lord of Heaven and earth, my life is now complete.

I’ve seen Him. I’ve held Him. He is the one. He is the Messiah. There is nothing more I need in life. My life is fulfilled. I am now ready to die. My life has reached its purpose and culmination.”

Simeon, like any other ordinary human being, would have had many experiences in life. He would have had many ambitions and goals.

Many things he worked hard for. So for him to say that he was now ready to “go in peace” simply means that the purpose of his life was fulfilled and that all he has worked for and striven for has come to culmination in this moment.

That’s saying a lot! But it’s really a great witness for us in our daily lives and gives us an example of what we should strive for.

We see in this experience of Simeon that life must be about encountering Christ and fulfilling our purpose in accordance with God’s plan.

For Simeon, that purpose revealed to him through the gift of his faith, was to receive the Christ Child in the temple at His presentation and to then consecrate this Child to the Father in accordance with the law.

What is your mission and purpose in life? It will not be the same as Simeon but it will have similarities. God has a perfect plan for you that He will reveal to you in faith.

This calling and purpose will ultimately be about you receiving Christ in the temple of your heart and then praising and worshiping Him for all to see.

It will take on a unique form in accordance with the will of God for your life. But it will be as significant and important as Simeon’s calling and will be integral to the entire divine plan of salvation for the world.

Reflect, today, upon your own calling and mission in life. Don’t miss your call. Don’t miss your mission.

Continue to listen, anticipate, and act in faith as that plan unfolds so that you, too, may one day rejoice and “go in peace” confident that this calling has been fulfilled.

Prayer: Lord, I am Your servant. I seek Your will. Help me to respond to You in faith and openness and help me to say “Yes” to You so that my life will achieve the purpose for which I was made. I thank You for the witness of Simeon and pray that I, too, will one day rejoice that my life has been fulfilled. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.

Bible Verse of the Day in Pictures

Related Links

• Catholic Daily Readings for The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, 2nd February 2020, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A – Sunday Homily
• Catholic Daily Mass Readings for February 2 2024, Friday, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Homily
• 2nd February 2019: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Year C
• The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Feast Day – November 21 2023
• The Feast of Presentation of the Lord – February 2

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The Presentation of Jesus

Upon the eighth day following His birth, the Lord was Luke ii. 21. circumcised, and the name Jesus given Him. Forty days after the birth, Mary presented herself with the child Luke ii. 22-38. at the Temple in accordance with the law, and after the presentation returned again to Bethlehem.

The order of events following Christ's birth to the time He went to reside at Nazareth, is much disputed. The chief point of controversy is respecting the time of the visit of the Magi. If this can be determined, the other events may be easily arranged.

An early and current tradition placed the coming of the Magi on the 6th of January, or on the 13th day after His birth. 3 This day was early celebrated as the Feast of the Epiphany, or the manifestation of Christ, and originally had reference to His birth, to the visit of the Magi, and to His baptism. It is now observed both in the Greek and Roman Churches with reference to the latter two events, of which the adoration of the Magi is made most prominent. This is also the case in the English and American Episcopal Churches. But the tradition did not command universal assent. Eusebius and Epiphanius, reasoning from Matt, ii. 16, put the coming of the Magi two years after His birth. And others have thought the 6th January selected for convenience, rather than as having any direct chronological connection with the event. The apocryphal gospel of the birth of Mary puts their coming on the forty-second day, or after the presentation, but some copies on the 13th. 1

If we now ask the grounds upon which, aside from this tradition, the coming of the wise men is placed so soon after the birth, and before the presentation in the Temple, the more important are these: first, that the words Tov 8c Irjcrov yevvrjOevTos, " Now when Jesus was born," (Matt. ii. 1,) imply that the one event speedily followed the other, the participle being in the aoristandnot in the perfect; second, that directly after the presentation Jesus went with His parents to Nazareth, (Luke ii. 39,) and that therefore the presentation must have been preceded by their visit; third, that at the coming of the Magi Herod first heard of the birth of Jesus, but if the presentation at the Temple had previously taken place, he must have heard of it, as it had been made public by Anna, (Luke ii. 38.) But none of these reasons is decisive. There is nothing, as asserted, in the use of ytvvYjOevTos, " now when Jesus was born," that proves that they came so soon as He was born, or that an interval of two months may not have elapsed. 2 The opinion of many of the fathers that they found Him still in the manger, or stall, in spelunca ilia qua natus est, may be true, if the manger was in a cave in the rear of the house. (See Matt. ii. 11.) The statement of Luke, that " when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth," has often been interpreted as affirming that they went directly from the temple to Nazareth without any return to Bethlehem. 1 But this interpretation is arbitrary. It is apparent that Luke does not design to give a full history of Christ's infancy. He says nothing of the Magi, of the murder of the children, of the flight into Egypt. Whatever may have been the motive of this omission, which Alford, in common with many German critics, ascribes to ignorance, nothing can be inferred from it to the impugning of Matthew's accuracy. His statement respecting the return to Galilee is general, and does not imply any strict chronological connection. Elsewhere in Luke like instances occur, as in iv. 14, where Jesus is said to have " returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee," whence it would appear that this return followed immediately upon the temptation ; yet we know that an interval of several months must have elapsed. It is the fact that His childhood was.passed at Nazareth, which Luke brings prominently forward, not the precise time when He went thither, which w^as unimportant. It is not inconsistent with his language that Jesus should have returned to Bethlehem from the Temple, an afternoon walk of two hours, and have gone thence to Nazareth by way of Egypt, though had we this gospel alone, we could not infer this. Besides, it is apparent from Matthew's narrative (ii. 22-3) that Joseph did not design upon his return from Egypt to go to Galilee, and went thither only by express divine direction. Plainly he looked upon Bethlehem, not Nazareth, as the proper home of the child who should be the heir of David. 2 And finally the fact that Anna " spoke of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem," by no means shows that her words came to the ears of Herod.

Those who thus place the visit of the Magi before the purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus, are by no means agreed as to the time of the latter events. If the visit of the Magi was on the thirteenth day after His birth, and the murder of the children and the flight into Egypt took place immediately after, the purification must have been delayed till the return, and so in any event after the legal time on the fortieth day. 1 To avoid this, some suppose that, although the suspicions of Herod had been aroused by the inquiries of the Magi, yet he took no active measures for the destruction of the child, till the rumor of what had taken place at the Temple at the time of the presentation (Luke ii. 27-38) reaching his ears, stirred him up to give immediate order for the murder of the children. 2 Others still, making the departure to Nazareth to have immediately followed the purification, are compelled to make Nazareth, not Bethlehem, the starting point of the flight into Egypt. 3

The obvious difficulties connected with this traditional view of the coming of the wise men on the thirteenth day after the Lord's birth, have led most in modern times to put it after the purification on the fortieth day. Some, who hold that Jesus went immediately after that event to Nazareth, suppose that after a short sojourn there He returned to Bethlehem, and there was found by the wise men. 4 But most who put the purification upon the fortieth day, make the visit of the Magi to have shortly followed, and prior to any departure to Nazareth. 5 And this order seems best to harmonize the scripture narratives. The language of Lukeii. 22, compared with v. 21, plainly intimates that as the circumcision took place on the eighth, or legal day, so did the presentation on the fortieth. Till this day, the mother was regarded as unclean, and was to abide at home, and it is therefore very improbable that the adoration of the Magi, and especially the flight into Egypt, should have previously taken place. Doubtless, in case of necessity, all the legal requisitions could have been set aside, but this necessity is not proved in this case to have existed. That the purification was after the return from Egypt, is inconsistent with Matthew's statements, (ii. 22), that after Joseph had heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea, he was afraid to go thither. If, then, he dare not even enter the king's territory, how much less would he dare to go to Jerusalem, and enter publicly into the temple. The conjecture of some, 1 that Archelaus was then absent at Rome, is wholly without historic proof.

1 Friedlieb, Bucher. a Augustine, Sepp, Alford. 3 Maldonati.

4 Epiphanius, and now Jarvis, and Patritius. 6 Robinson, Teschendorf, Wieseler, Lichtenstein.

That Matthew puts the flight into Egypt in immediate connection with the departure of the Magi, (ii. 13.) is plain. 2 No interval could have elapsed after their departure, for it is said, v. 14, that he " took the young child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt." He went so soon as the angel appeared to him, apparently the same night. We cannot then place the history of the purification after their departure, and before the flight into Egypt, as is done by Calvin and many. Nor could Herod, after his jealousy had been aroused by the inquiries of the Magi after the new-born King of the Jews, have waited quietly several weeks till the events at the purification awakened his attention anew. He doubtless acted here with that decision that characterized all his movements, and seeing himself mocked by the wise men, took instant measures for the destruction of the child.

The fact that Mary offered the offering of the poor, (Luke ii. 24,) may be mentioned as incidentally confirming this view; for if she had received previously the gifts of the Magi, particularly the gold, we may suppose that she would have used it to provide a better offering. 1

We thus trace a threefold adoration of Christ: 1st, that of the shepherds; 2d, that of Simeon and Anna ; 3d, that of the Magi; or a twofold adoration of the Jews, and then the adoration of the heathen.

Novena for the Presentation in the Temple

DAY: 1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9 First Day: M ost Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Thine infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of Thee by Thy love, which unites Thee to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

O omnipotence of Divine Mercy, salvation of the sinful, Thou art a sea of mercy and compassion and aid those who entreat Thee with humility.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon all humanity and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Thy mercy, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit that we may praise the omnipotence of Thy love forever and ever. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Second Day: Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Thy grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

The fountain of God's love dwells in pure hearts, bathed in the Sea of Mercy, radiant as stars, bright as the dawn.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Thy vineyard, upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Thy blessing. For the love of the Sacred Heart of Thy Son, in which they are enfolded, impart to them through Thy Holy Spirit, Thy power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Thy boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Third Day: M ost Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Thy mercy, impart Thy graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of Thee by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Thy Heart burns so fiercely.

Thy miracles of mercy are impenetrable. Neither the sinner nor just one will fathom them. O Lord, cast upon us the eye of Thy pity; draw us all closer to Thy love.

Eternal Father, graciously turn Thy merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Thy Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Thy blessing and surround them with constant protection. May they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith; but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, may they glorify Thy boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Fourth Day: M ost Compassionate Jesus, Thou art the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans and unbelievers who as yet do not know Thee. Let the rays of Thy grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Thy wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart.

May the light of Thy love enlighten the souls in darkness; Grant that these souls will know Thee and, together with us, praise Thy mercy.

Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Fifth Day: M ost Merciful Jesus, Thou art Goodness itself, do not refuse light to those who seek it of Thee. Receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Thy light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, may come to adore the generosity of Thy mercy.

Even for those who have torn the garment of Thy unity, a fount of mercy flows from Thy Heart. The omnipotence of Thy mercy, O God, can lead these souls out of error.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Thy blessings and misused Thy graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Thine own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit may they glorify Thy great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Sixth Day: M ost Merciful Jesus, who said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart" receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls bring joy to heaven; they are beloved of the heavenly Father. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God. God takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Thy Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of Thy love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in Thine abode, which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Thy Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Thy throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, we beg Thee by Thy Holy Spirit and Thy love for these souls, Thy delight: bless the whole world, that all together may sing the praises of Thy mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Seventh Day: M ost Merciful Jesus, Whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Thy mercy. These souls are mighty with the power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Thy mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry humanity on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, because Thy mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord is always close to the living fountain and draws graces from Mercy Divine.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Thy greatest attribute, that of Thy fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to Thee, O Most High! We beg Thee O God, the Holy Spirit: Show them Thy mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in Thee. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus: to defend as His own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who venerate His fathomless mercy by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Eighth Day: M ost Merciful Jesus, we bring into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to Thee, and yet, who must make retribution to justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Thy Heart cool the flames of the purifying fire of love so that the power of Thy perfect mercy with justice may be praised.

From the heat of the cleansing fire rises a plaint to Thy mercy, and they receive comfort, refreshment, relief in the stream of Blood and Water into which we are baptized.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. We beg Thee, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Thy Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Thy mercy to the souls who are under just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Thy dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to the goodness and compassion of Thy Holy Spirit. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Ninth Day: M ost compassionate Jesus, Thou art Compassion Itself. We bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Thy pure love let these tepid souls, so filled with loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Thy mercy and draw them into the ardor of Thy love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Thy power.

Fire and ice cannot be joined; either the fire dies, or the ice melts but Thy mercy, O God, makes up for all that is lacking.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. O Holy Spirit, we beg Thee by the bitter Passion of Jesus and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Thy mercy. Amen.

Daily Prayer L ord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all. O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee. Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father. Source: http://peregrinus-peregrinus.blogspot.com/2014/01/novena-for-presentation-of-lord.html

Preaching Grace on the Square

Scripture, tradition, theology, random thoughts from capitol square in madison, wi.

The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple: A sermon

Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (detail), Andrea Mantegna, c. 1455

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. It’s a major feast in our calendar but one we observe at Grace only when it falls on a Sunday. It commemorates the events recorded by Luke in today’s gospel reading. Jesus’ parents Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple forty days after his birth to conform to Jewish ritual obligations—the presentation of the first-born to God; and the purification of a woman after giving birth.

It’s a bit disorienting to read this gospel today, to commemorate the Feast of the Presentation, because it draws our attention backwards, to Christmas. In a very real sense, it is the final observance of the Christmas season, which explains why in many traditional Christian churches, the Christmas decorations, especially the creche remain until this day. Our attention is drawn back to Christmas, to the birth of Christ, and to his family. And even as our lives have moved on, and the world is not paying attention, the church allows us one last glimpse of the joy of Christmas.

It is a story full of joy—the joy of parents who are faithfully fulfilling the practices of their faith—and especially the joy of two elderly people who see the identity of the baby and testify to his world-historical significance.

Luke is keen to show Jesus’ parents obeying Jewish law, mentioning it no fewer than five times in this brief passage. He is also concerned to show them as observant Jews. He will do the same when he depicts Jesus. In addition, the temple is a focal point. Joseph and Mary bring Jesus here twice, now forty days after his birth. They will bring him again when he is twelve years old, an incident related only by Luke in the very next verses. Jesus will remain behind at the temple after his parents leave; when they discover he is not with the group returning to Nazareth, they return to the temple and find him in conversation with religious leaders about scripture.

Jesus will return to the temple when he comes to Jerusalem just before his crucifixion and the temple will continue to be a focal point for his disciples after his ascension. In fact, Luke’s description of them at the end of the gospel, calls to mind his description of Anna, “They returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple blessing God.” (24:53)

In addition to the prominent role of the temple throughout Luke and Acts, this story emphasizes other themes central to Luke’s telling. The presence of Simeon and Anna, two aged people who testify to the baby’s identity link this story to models in Hebrew scripture and also appeal to the prophetic tradition. Anna is explicitly identified as a prophetess while Simeon offers prophecy as well as song when he encounters Jesus.

Simeon’s is not the first song Luke records in the gospel. The nativity story is accompanied by hymns: that of Zechariah, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people.” He sang it when his voice returned after the birth of his son John the Baptist. There’s Mary’s song, the Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” There’s the song the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth.” And there is this one, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.” These are the church’s songs, sung for nearly two thousand years and sung or chanted during the daily office.

While emphasizing tradition, the law and the prophets, and these two elderly witnesses, Luke also emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit, mentioning her movement three times in describing Simeon. Simeon was righteous and devout and looking forward to the consolation of Israel. His song is one of benediction and leave-taking. But Simeon has more to say and turns to ominous prophecy: “this child is destined for the rising and the falling of many in Israel … and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” Unfortunately, Luke doesn’t tell us what Anna said instead only leaves us with the image of an elderly woman who spent all of her time in the temple speaking about Jesus to everyone in the temple “who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

On the surface this episode that brings to an end Luke’s infancy narrative is little more than confirmation of what has gone before—the birth of the Son of God in keeping with scripture and witnessed by people who were able to testify to its importance. But when you step back a moment to reflect, it opens up great depths of meaning.

Think again about the temple’s significance. It plays an important role in this episode as it does throughout Luke and Acts. Yet by the time Luke was writing, the temple lay in ruins. In fact, it may have been destroyed two generations before he wrote. So, Luke’s readers could not have imagined the scene. They had no reference points for it.

And think about those two elderly people who express their joy, of Simeon who sings “my eyes have seen my salvation.” But the sort of hopes expressed in this text, the consolation of Israel, the redemption of Jerusalem had not been accomplished and may have seemed further away than ever before. Would Simeon and Anna been able to hold on to their hope if they knew what the future held?

And even in this story of faith, hope, and joy, there is an ominous note. In his blessing, Simeon speaks of the falling and rising of many in Israel, of opposition and division, and most of all, of a sword that will pierce Mary’s soul. Even here in the joy of incarnation, the shadow of the cross looms. Perhaps that’s why Mantegna, in the painting reproduced on the service bulletin’s cover, seems to have Jesus wrapped, not in swaddling clothes but in what looks like burial wrappings.

We hear this story today, forty days after Christmas, when the joy of that season has long since left us, cooled by endless gray days, by the relentless cycle of news that wears us down and grinds our hope into despair. We hear this story when our attention is fleeting perhaps diverted momentarily by national spectacle like the Super Bowl or the silly rituals of Groundhog Day.

Can we appreciate the power of the story that Luke has crafted, a story of long waits, expectation and hope in the midst of disappointment? Can we see ourselves in the aged Simeon and Anna, whose faith did not falter through years of struggle and disappointment?

This is the Feast of the Presentation. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple. Our cover image shows Mary doing just that. But it also shows Simeon’s outstretched hands. While our translations says that Simeon “took” the baby, a better translation would be that “he received him. Indeed, Simeon didn’t just see Christ, as my friend Chris Bryan has written,

he touches him, holds him, embraces him؛†and given that Jesus comes to Simeon in the weakness of babyhood, for this moment Simeon actually carries him, as the stronger carries the weaker. Simeon has waited faithfully upon God, and the reward of his faithfulness is that for just a moment he becomes the hearer of Christ.

Mary and Joseph presented Christ in the temple; they presented him to Simeon and Anna. Yet Simeon’s and Anna’s confessions make clear who Jesus is: our salvation, our redemption, the Son of God. The collect for the day reminds us that Christ presents us to God, and in a real sense that is what was happening here; Jesus was presenting his parents to God, to Simeon and Anna.

We make Christ present on this altar, recalling his life, death, and resurrection. But the fact of the matter is that in a deeper sense, Christ is presenting us. We approach his table hand in hand with him, carried by him.

May we, like Simeon and Anna, proclaim our faith in Christ, may we see him here, on the altar, in our lives and in the world around us. May we sing with Simeon:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people,

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

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Presentation of the Lord Novena

• About the Presentation of the Lord
• Why Pray the Presentation of the Lord Novena?

The Presentation of the Lord is a great feast day in the Church. This feast celebrates the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple. The Presentation of the Lord is also one of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.

There is a lot to contemplate and meditate on in relation to the Presentation of the Lord. You can use this novena to enter more deeply into the mystery of the Presentation of the Lord.

Every year on February 2nd, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Until 1969, this feast was called the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the Gospel of Luke, both the Presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary took place on the same day.

In Jewish law, a woman was considered unclean when she gave birth. Forty days after giving birth to a male child, a Jewish woman was to present herself in the Temple to be purified. At this time, she was to take her son with her to the Temple so that she could present him to the Lord. This custom was to commemorate the occasion of firstborn Hebrew boys being spared during the first Passover. 

During a purification, a woman was to take a lamb and a turtledove to be sacrificed in thanksgiving and reparation for sin. If a family was too poor to sacrifice a lamb, they could instead sacrifice two pigeons or two turtledoves. 

Our Lady was completely free from sin, so she did not need to complete this ritual. But she willingly completed it out of honor for the Mosaic laws and love for God. Jesus, as the Son of God, did not have to undergo these rituals either. The deep humility of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph can be seen in their willing compliance with these laws.

The Gospel of Luke says that Mary and Joseph offered two turtledoves in the Temple during the Presentation. Luke 2:22-24 says, “When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord.’”

Luke’s Gospel then goes on to say that an old prophet named Simeon and a prophetess named Anna were also in the Temple that day. Both Simeon and Anna had been longing for the Messiah their whole lives.

The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit helped Simeon recognize that the Infant Jesus was the Messiah. When Simeon held Jesus, he proclaimed a hymn of praise. He also told Mary that she would experience great pain and grief because of the suffering her Son would one day endure. 

Presentation of the Lord Feast Day: February 2nd

You can pray the Presentation of the Lord Novena if you are preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. You can use novena to ask God to help you enter more deeply into the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord. You can also pray this novena to ask God to help someone you know to enter more deeply into the celebration of the Presentation.

Additionally, you can pray the Presentation of the Lord Novena if you are seeking to grow in the virtues that the Holy Family demonstrated at the Presentation of the Lord, such as humility or submission to God’s laws.

You can pray the Presentation of the Lord Novena for any intention!

Presentation of the Lord Novena Prayers

Presentation of the lord novena - day 1.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Dear Lord, we thank You and praise You for the mystery of the Presentation. In honor of this mystery, we ask You to hear our prayers.

You were presented in the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after Your birth, in accord with the laws You gave to the Hebrew people. Out of love for God, Your Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph willingly carried out the commands of this law and traveled to the Temple as a family. 

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that all families may be full of holiness and love.

Help us to grow in holiness and love for You each day of our lives. Give us the grace to do all we can to serve You faithfully in every circumstance.

And we especially ask in this novena for (mention your intentions here).

Lord, hear our prayers!

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 2

Today, let’s pray for all children. Let’s offer prayers that God may bless and protect all children in our world. 

Day’s Prayers:

You were a small baby when Your Blessed Mother and St. Joseph presented You in the Temple in Jerusalem in accord with the Jewish law and customs. In Your Presentation, we can see an example of holy family life, and we can contemplate Your holy childhood as we entrust our children to You.

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will bless and protect all children.

Help us to always do all we can to carry out Your will in our lives. Give us the grace to serve You in whatever ways You call us to each day.

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 3

You have given us a great gift in the mystery of Your Presentation in the Temple. We can look to Your Presentation for an example of holy family life and motherhood. Though she was sinless and not bound by the laws of purification from sin, Your Blessed Mother willingly followed the laws out of love for God. 

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will bless and protect all mothers.

Help us to always serve You worthily in every circumstance we encounter. Give us the grace to do all things in our lives out of love for You.

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 4

Your Blessed Mother was sinless and was therefore not bound by the laws of purification from sin. But out of deep love for God and true submission to His laws, she presented You in the Temple and submitted to the rituals of purification. Though You Yourself were not bound by the need to be presented, You submitted to the will of Your Father.

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will help us to grow in submission to Your will.

Help us to always do whatever is necessary to grow in holiness and virtue. Give us the grace to serve God more faithfully each day of our lives. 

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 5

In the mystery of Your Presentation in the Temple, we can see the many virtues of Your Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. Because You were the Son of God and Mary was without sin, they were not bound by the Hebrew laws. But in deep humility, they performed the prescribed rituals.

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will help us to grow in the humility we need for holiness.

Help us to do all we can to grow in all the virtues we need for holiness each day. Give us the grace to submit ourselves fully to You in every circumstance.

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 6

When You were Presented in the Temple in Jerusalem as an infant, Your Blessed Mother and St. Joseph acted with profound obedience and humility. In their humble offering of two turtledoves, we can see that Your Holy Family was poor in material things. We can see that material wealth is far less important than spiritual wealth.

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will help us to grow in holy poverty.

Help us to be truly detached from all things of this world in our lives. Give us the grace to serve You more wholeheartedly each day of our lives.

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 7

During Your Presentation in the Temple, both the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna were present. These holy people had been living in hope of the Messiah, and You brought their hope to fulfillment when they witnessed Your Presentation in the Temple. You rewarded their faithfulness and allowed them to see their Messiah.

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will help us to grow in the virtue of hope.

Help us to always make growth in virtue and holiness our top priority in life. Help us to truly strive to become saints each day of our lives.

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 8

You came to the world as a man, for the purpose of redeeming mankind. You knew that You would suffer and die for us. At Your Presentation in the Temple, the prophet Simeon foretold that Your Mother would suffer greatly as well. Mary willingly accepted this suffering out of love for God.

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will help us to grow in the ability to accept all sufferings You allow in our lives.

Help us to always make use of every opportunity You give us to grow in holiness. Give us the grace to grow closer to You each day of our lives.

Presentation of the Lord Novena - Day 9

Your Blessed Mother willingly chose to participate in the salvation of mankind as God asked her to. At Your Presentation in the Temple, the prophet Simeon told her that a sword of sorrow would pierce her heart. Despite this knowledge of the suffering she would endure, she trusted in God and continued to do what He was asking of her.

We ask You to help us in all of our needs, and we particularly pray today that You will help us to grow to a deeper trust in You.

Help us to always do all we can to carry out Your will faithfully in our lives. Give us the grace to love You more and more each day of our lives.

Hymns for Candlemas: the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Years A, B and C (2 February)

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See the sites for the Lehi Utah, West Jordan Utah and Tampa Florida temples

The 2 utah temples were announced just 2 weeks ago; the tampa site is a new location for that temple.

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released three temple sites — one each for the recently announced Lehi Utah and West Jordan Utah temples, and the third is a new location for the Tampa Florida Temple, replacing a site previously announced in October 2022.

Lehi and West Jordan were among the 15 new locations for future houses of the Lord that were announced by President Russell M. Nelson just two weeks ago at April 2024 general conference.

“The temple is the gateway to the greatest blessings God has in store for each of us. … This is why we are doing all within our power, under the direction of the Lord, to make temple blessings more accessible to members of the Church,” said President Nelson at the conclusion of the Sunday afternoon session on April 7.

The sites and accompanying location maps were first published Monday, April 22, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org . More information for the temples — such as exterior renderings for the two Utah temples and groundbreaking dates for all three — will be released later.

Lehi Utah Temple

Plans for the Lehi Utah Temple call for a multi-story structure of approximately 85,000 square feet to be built on a 22.48-acre site northwest of the intersection of 3950 North and North Center Street in Lehi. A meetinghouse is to be built on the site as well.

When finished in the northern area of Lehi, the temple will be the northernmost of the eight current houses of the Lord located in Utah County. The other seven are the Saratoga Springs, Mount Timpanogos, Lindon, Orem, Provo Rock Canyon, Provo City Center and Payson temples.

Utah is home to nearly 2.3 million Latter-day Saints in more than 5,400 congregations. The state has 30 total temples — dedicated and operating, under construction, under renovation or announced and in planning.

West Jordan Utah Temple

The site for the West Jordan Utah Temple is a 16.1-acre parcel in the city’s westernmost region, west of Utah State Highway 111 (also known as Bacchus Highway or 8400 West) at approximately 7147 South U-111. The temple is planned as a multi-story edifice of approximately 85,000 square feet, with the site to include a new meetinghouse.

Once built, the house of the Lord in West Jordan will be westernmost of Salt Lake County’s six temples, located some 10 miles northwest of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. The county’s four others are the Salt Lake, Taylorsville, Jordan River and Draper temples.

Of Utah’s 30 temples, the 18 dedicated and operating houses of the Lord are the Bountiful , Brigham City , Cedar City , Draper , Jordan River, Logan , Manti , Monticello , Mount Timpanogos , Ogden , Oquirrh Mountain , Orem , Payson , Provo City Center , Red Cliffs, Saratoga Springs , St. George and Vernal temples.

Two dedicated temples are under renovation — the Salt Lake and Provo Utah Rock Canyon temples, and two others are scheduled for dedication in June — the Taylorsville Utah Temple is scheduled for dedication on June 2 by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Layton Utah Temple will become the state’s 22nd dedicated house of the Lord following its June 16 dedication by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

The six temples under construction in Utah are the Deseret Peak , Ephraim , Heber Valley , Lindon , Smithfield and Syracuse temples.

Tampa Florida Temple

The Tampa Florida Temple remains projected as a single-story edifice, with an area size of approximately 29,000 square feet. It will be constructed on a 12-acre site at 9445 Camden Fields Parkway in Riverview, Florida. The new site is the location of the former Tampa Bay campus of the Cooley Law School, with the Church just finalizing the purchase of the property earlier this year.

On Oct. 31, 2022, the Church included a site for the Tampa temple as one of six sites for new houses of the Lord being planned in the Western Hemisphere — three in the United States, two in Mexico and one in Brazil. That first site was a 16.2-acre parcel adjacent to an existing meetinghouse at 4806 Bell Shoals Road in the suburb of Valrico.

The new site in Riverview is near the intersection exchange of Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 301, closer to downtown in the southeast area of metro Tampa. The Camden Fields Parkway site is a nine-mile drive from the Bell Shoals Road site in Valrico, or a direct distance of just under six miles.

President Russell M. Nelson announced a temple for Tampa in April 2022 general conference , one of 17 new locations he identified at the conclusion of the Sunday afternoon session on April 3. Nearly a year later, on March 20, 2023, an exterior rendering was released for the Tampa temple.

In Florida, the Church has five total temples dedicated, under construction or in planning. The state’s first — the Orlando Florida Temple — was dedicated nearly 30 years ago, in October 1994, by President Howard W. Hunter. It will close in July 2024 for extensive renovations, the Church announced earlier this year.

The other operating house of the Lord is in Fort Lauderdale (dedicated in 2014) with a temple under construction in Tallahassee and another in planning for Jacksonville , with its site announced two months ago, on Feb. 20.

Missionaries first arrived and stayed briefly in Florida in 1845, with the Church’s first congregation in the state not created until 1897, in the Big Bend area of northern Florida. Seven years later, in 1904, Church membership in the state was 1,230.

Today, Florida is home to nearly 173,000 Latter-day Saints comprising about 275 congregations.

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Ordinary Time: February 2nd

Feast of the presentation of the lord.

Other Commemorations: St. Catherine de Ricci, Virgin (RM) ; Other Titles: Candlemas

Free eBook:

MASS READINGS

February 02, 2024 (Readings on USCCB website)

PROPERS [Show]

Entrance Antiphon, Cf. Ps 48 (47): 10-11: Your merciful love, O God, we have received in the midst of your temple. Your praise, O God, like your name, reaches the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with saving justice.

COLLECT PRAYER

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Recipes (5)

• Crepes for the Feast of St. Bernadette
• Crepes Saint-Gwenole
• Crepes Suzette
• Rosca de Reyes
• Strawberry Cream Crepes

Activities (25)

• Antiphon for Candlemas Day
• Candlemas Ceremony
• Candlemas Day
• Celebrating the Feasts of the Blessed Virgin
• Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album
• Feasts of Mary in the Family
• Feasts of Our Lady in the Home
• Marian Hymn: ’Tis Said of Our Dear Lady
• Marian Hymn: A Single Branch Three Roses Bore
• Marian Hymn: Ave Maria Dear
• Marian Hymn: Beautiful, Glorious
• Marian Hymn: Hail Mary, Queen in Heav'n Enthroned
• Marian Hymn: Salve Regina
• Marian Hymn: Stella Matutina
• Marian Hymn: Virgin Blessed, Thou Star the Fairest
• Mary Garden
• Procession on Candlemas
• Reflections on the Feast of the Presentation
• Religion in the Home for Elementary School: February
• Religion in the Home for Preschool: February
• Shadow-Box Show and Procession for Candlemas
• The Feast of Candlemas and Its Customs
• The Feasts of Light: Christmas, Epiphany and Candlemas
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Prayers (11)

• Excerpt from the Blessing of Candles
• February Devotion: The Holy Family
• Prayer for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)
• Family Candlemas Procession
• Nunc Dimittis - The Canticle of Simeon
• Table Blessing for the Feasts of the Mother of God
• Novena for Purification
• Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes
• Blessing of Candles and the Propers of Mass for February 2, Extraordinary Form
• Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Blessing of Candles and Propers of the Mass for the Feast of the Presentation, Ordinary Form
• Prayer for Candlemas Day (February 2)

Library (5)

• Light For The Nations, Glory Of Israel | Pope Saint John Paul II
• Presentation Prefigures the Cross | Pope Saint John Paul II
• Simeon is Open to the Lord's Action | Pope Saint John Paul II
• The Purification, Commonly Called Candlemas-Day | Alban Butler
• The Season's Finale | Dr. Pius Parsch

Blog & Podcasts (10)

• A Sunday Feast: the Presentation of the Lord
• Baptism is a New Beginning
• Candlemas: The Feast of Light and Hope
• Christmas to Candlemas: When is the Real End of the Christmas Season?
• Contemplating the Christmas Mysteries: He is Light and Peace
• Luke’s Gospel: The Radical Challenge of Jesus Christ
• Sing of Mary
• Sing of Mary, 3: Living the Rosary
• The End of Christmas: Dispelling the Misconceptions
• The Presentation of the Lord: A Light for the Nations

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Simeon’s prophecy also announces that Christ will be ‘ a sign of contradiction’ . St Cyril of Alexandria, in one of his homilies, interpreted the words ‘sign of contradiction’ like a noble cross, as St Paul wrote to the Corinthians ‘a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles’ (1 Cor 1:23) […] It is a sign of contradiction in the sense that those who loose appear as foolish while in those who recognize its power [the cross] reveals salvation and life’ (cf. PG 77, 1044-1049). —Excerpted from Congregation for the Clergy