The Presentation in the Temple

Today's Reflections

 

                                

 

The Presentation in the Temple 

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Lk 2:22-40

²²When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, [Joseph and Mary] took [Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord...

²⁵Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. ²⁷He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, ²⁸he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

²⁹“Now, Master, you may let your servant go/ in peace, according to your word,/ ³⁰for my eyes have seen your salvation,/ ³¹which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,/ ³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles,/ and glory for your people Israel.”

³³The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; ³⁴and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted ³⁵(and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” ³⁶There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, ³⁷and then as a widow until she was eighty-four... ³⁸And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

³⁹When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Reflection:

According to the law of Moses. It is noteworthy that when Mary and Joseph do to and for Jesus what is prescribed in the Law, and therefore in fulfillment of God’s will, God graces the old man Simeon and the widow Anna. Mary and Joseph do not suspect at all that their obedience to God’s law will fulfill God’s promise to Simeon and will be a revelation to the two elderly people and to Mary.

Simeon and Anna are good examples of the joy that Jesus brings to people of faith. Jesus gave joy to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the magi, and now two elderly people.

Is Jesus the joy of your heart?