Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Lectionary: 524
Lectionary: 524
Thus says the Lord GOD:
Lo, I am sending my messenger
to prepare the way before me;
And suddenly there will come to the temple
the LORD whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.
Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the LORD,
as in the days of old, as in years gone by.
Lo, I am sending my messenger
to prepare the way before me;
And suddenly there will come to the temple
the LORD whom you seek,
And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.
Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.
But who will endure the day of his coming?
And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire,
or like the fuller’s lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the sons of Levi,
Refining them like gold or like silver
that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.
Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the LORD,
as in the days of old, as in years gone by.
Responsorial
Psalm24:7, 8, 9, 10
R. (8) Who is this king of
glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD, strong and mighty,
the LORD, mighty in battle.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Lift up, O gates, your lintels;
reach up, you ancient portals,
that the king of glory may come in!
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Who is this king of glory?
The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory.
R. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
Reading 2HEB 2:14-18
Since the children share in blood
and flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters
in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil,
and free those who through fear of death
had been subject to slavery all their life.
Surely he did not help angels
but rather the descendants of Abraham;
therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters
in every way,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
to expiate the sins of the people.
Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
he is able to help those who are being tested.
AlleluiaLK 2:32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A light of revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A light of revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 2:22-40 OR 2:22-32
When the days were completed for their
purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now 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.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He 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,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He 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,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“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.”
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.”
The child’s father and mother were
amazed at what was said about him;
and 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
--and you yourself a sword will pierce--
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There 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,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And 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.
and 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
--and you yourself a sword will pierce--
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There 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,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And 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.
When they had fulfilled all the
prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.
or
When the days were completed for their
purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now 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.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He 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,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He 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,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“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.”
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.”
Meditation: "The favor
of God was upon him"
Do
you know the favor of the Lord? After Jesus' birth, Mary fulfills the Jewish
right of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the
customary offering of a lamb, she gives instead two pigeons as an offering of
the poor. This rite, along with circumcision and the redemption of the
first-born point to the fact that children are gifts from God. Jesus was born
in an ordinary home where there were no luxuries. Like all godly parents, Mary
and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He, in turn, was
obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace. The Lord's favor is with those
who listen to his word with trust and obedience. Do you know the joy of
submission to God? And do you seek to pass on the faith and to help the young
grow in wisdom and maturity?
The
Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Savior of the world
What is the significance of Simeon's encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be "a revealing light to the Gentiles". The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with you?
What is the significance of Simeon's encounter with the baby Jesus and his mother in the temple? Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. He believed that the Lord would return to his temple and renew his chosen people. The Holy Spirit also revealed to him that the Messiah and King of Israel would also bring salvation to the Gentile nations. When Joseph and Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child of Bethlehem as the fulfillment of all the messianic prophecies, hopes, and prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit he prophesied that Jesus was to be "a revealing light to the Gentiles". The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who are receptive and eager to receive him. Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with you?
The
'new temple' of God's presence in the world
Jesus is the new temple (John 1:14; 2:19-22). In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the "pillar of cloud" by day and the "pillar of fire" by night as he led them through the wilderness. God's glory visibly came to dwell over the ark and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). When the first temple was built in Jerusalem God's glory came to rest there (1 Kings 8). After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw God's glory leave it (Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the "King of Glory" himself comes to his temple (Psalm 24:7-10; Malachi 3:1). Through Jesus' coming in the flesh and through his saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit within you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you.
Jesus is the new temple (John 1:14; 2:19-22). In the Old Testament God manifested his presence in the "pillar of cloud" by day and the "pillar of fire" by night as he led them through the wilderness. God's glory visibly came to dwell over the ark and the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38). When the first temple was built in Jerusalem God's glory came to rest there (1 Kings 8). After the first temple was destroyed, Ezekiel saw God's glory leave it (Ezekiel 10). But God promised one day to fill it with even greater glory (Haggai 2:1-9; Zechariah 8-9). That promise is fulfilled when the "King of Glory" himself comes to his temple (Psalm 24:7-10; Malachi 3:1). Through Jesus' coming in the flesh and through his saving death, resurrection, and ascension we are made living temples of his Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the indwelling presence of his Spirit within you. And give him thanks and praise for coming to make his home with you.
Mary
receives both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow
Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She 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 that "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 peace and joy of a life surrendered to God with faith and trust?
Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph and he prophesied to Mary about the destiny of this child and the suffering she would undergo for his sake. There is a certain paradox for those blessed by the Lord. Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. She 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 that "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 peace and joy of a life surrendered to God with faith and trust?
The
Holy Spirit renews our hope in the promise of God
Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord's presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit. She was found daily in the temple, attending to the Lord in prayer and speaking prophetically to others about God's promise to send a redeemer. 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 to all believers as we advance in age.
Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord's presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit. She was found daily in the temple, attending to the Lord in prayer and speaking prophetically to others about God's promise to send a redeemer. 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 to 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 rightly placed. 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 service of God's people.
Our
hope is anchored in God's everlasting kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy
What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life and happiness with our heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus has won for us a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The Holy Spirit gives hope to all who place their trust in the promises of God. God never fails because his promises are true and he is faithful. The hope which God places within us through the gift of the Spirit enables us to persevere with confident trust in God even in the face of trails, setbacks, and challenges that may come our way.
What do you hope for? The hope which God places in our heart is the desire for the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life and happiness with our heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus has won for us a kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). The Holy Spirit gives hope to all who place their trust in the promises of God. God never fails because his promises are true and he is faithful. The hope which God places within us through the gift of the Spirit enables us to persevere with confident trust in God even in the face of trails, setbacks, and challenges that may come our way.
Is
there anything holding you back from giving God your unqualified trust and
submission to his will for your life? Allow the Lord Jesus to flood your heart
with his peace, joy, and love. And offer to God everything you have and desire
- your life, family, friends, health, honor, wealth, and future. If you
seek his kingdom first he will give you everything you need to know, love, and
serve him now and enjoy him forever.
"Lord
Jesus, you are my hope and my life. May I never cease to place all my trust in
you. Fill me with the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit that I may boldly
point others to your saving presence and words of eternal life."
Daily
Quote from the early church fathers: Christ who was rich became poor,
by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)
"For
this reason it seems wonderful that the sacrifice of Mary was not the first
offering, that is, 'a lamb a year old,' but the second, since 'she could not
afford' (Leviticus 5:7) the first. For as it was written about her, Jesus'
parents came 'to offer a sacrifice' for him,'according to what is said in the
law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."' But this
also shows the truth of what was written, that Jesus Christ 'although he was
rich, became a poor man' (2 Corinthians 8:9). Therefore, for this reason, he
chose both a poor mother, from whom he was born, and a poor homeland, about
which it is said, 'But you, O Bethlehem Ephratha, who are little to be among
the clans of Judah' (Micah 5:2), and the rest. (excerpt from HOMILIES
ON LEVITICUS 8.4.3)
Presentation of Our Lord
February 2
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Malachi 3:1-4
Encouraged by Haggai and Zachariah, the Jews had rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem (537-515 B.C.). But the promised prosperity did not appear; the people became despondent once more. Charging Yahweh with not keeping His promises, they grew careless in their moral and religious life. Many cast both Law and Worship overboard and fell into downright religious indifference. This sad state of affairs is reflected in the book of the prophet Malachi.
The book is dated between the rebuilding of the Temple in 515 B.C. and before 458 B.C. Malachi is wholly concerned with the religious conditions of the Jewish community. With all his might he endeavors to stem the tide of religious indifference which must inevitably lead to ruin. He proclaims the approach of the day of Yahweh: His messenger is already on the way.
1 Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me;
The Hebrew name malachi, from which the title of the book comes, means “my messenger”. The author here seems to be emphasizing how God intervenes in sacred history by speaking to Abraham, Noah, Moses and making covenants.
And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 2 But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire,
Gold and silver are purified by melting and allowing the impurities to float to the surface.
or like the fuller’s lye.
Also translated as “fuller’s soap”. A fuller is someone who increases the weight and bulk of cloth by shrinking and beating or pressing.
3 He will sit refining and purifying (silver),
See 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.
and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in days of old, as in years gone by.
When the abuses are eliminated the sacrifices will be as pleasing to God as they were in the time of David. Jesus’ sacrifice was even more pleasing.
2nd Reading - Hebrews 2:14-18
The sacred writer of Hebrews is unknown – which is why it is placed between Paul’s writings and those of John. It is ascribed to Paul as far back as the end of the 2nd century in the church of Alexandria but Tertullian (A.D. 155-240) ascribes it to Barnabas. In any case, it has been accepted by the Church as inspired, although Martin Luther tried to leave it out of his Protestant Bible.
It is theorized that Hebrews was not written as a letter, but more as a theological treatise. The purpose was not to expound doctrine, but to ward off the apostasy that was a real danger to the readers. As such, it is much like a written homily. In our reading today, the sacred author explains how Jesus, although superior to the angels, became a human being so that He might offer the perfect sacrifice; opening the way so that man’s sins might be forgiven.
14 Now since the children share in blood and flesh,
In the biblical sense, “flesh” means human nature considered in its weakness and frailty. As such, the “flesh” is contrasted with the “spirit” and God. The expression “flesh and blood” meaning “human being” occurs in the Old Testament only in Sirach (14:18; 17:26). When flesh and blood are separated, death occurs. Here, the sacred author speaks of human nature under the ban of death and sees death as associated with the devil. After all, death entered the world through the original sin of Adam and Eve.
he likewise shared in them,
God shared with them because He had a common union (communion) with them
that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Death was not part of God’s original plan for man. By opening heaven and enabling the forgiveness of sin, God triumphs over the devil.
15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.
The sacred author is not here talking about the apprehension we all have of the ending of this life, rather he refers to the erroneous conception that at death, man’s relations with God were severed (Isaiah 38:18; Psalm 115:17-18). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection the nature of death was changed; heaven was opened and heaven became a means of passage out of the domain of sin into the domain of everlasting life and love.
16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham;
In the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 22:18, God promised worldwide blessing to the descendants of Abraham. This was fulfilled in Christ and His sacrifice. We are Abraham’s children; his descendants.
17 therefore, he had to become like his brothers in every way,
Since we are God’s children, Jesus is our older brother; the firstborn who sets the example.
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
Jesus is the faithful high priest, He is worthy of our faith. The high priest, on the day of atonement, entered the Holy of Holies and offered sacrifice for the sins of the people and then exited. Jesus, our high priest, offered Himself on the altar of the cross and still makes this offering today in our behalf (Revelation 5:6).
to expiate the sins of the people.
This is the duty of the high Priest (Leviticus 16:15-16).
18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
The testings of Christ which have qualified Him to help those who are undergoing temptation were not only the sufferings of His passion, but also the temptations He encountered throughout His life. He was totally true to His messianic mission: a mission which was always under attack.
he is able to help those who are being tested.
The temptation the sacred author is addressing here may be apostasy, but we must be conscious that every temptation to sin is a temptation to turn our back on God.
Gospel - Luke 2:22-40 (also heard on the Feast of the Holy Family, Cycle B)
Our Gospel reading for this feast stresses the holy family’s strict obedience to the Law of Moses. Luke 2:21 says “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.” The requirement for circumcision is found in Genesis 17:12. Circumcision is a sign of the covenant between Abraham and God. a mark which designates that they belong to God’s chosen people. Although not mentioned in the Gospel, Exodus 13:11-13 requires the sacrifice of all firstborn males (either of the flock or the family), with the provision that donkeys and sons shall be redeemed with a lamb, or if not redeemed its neck shall be broken. Numbers 18:16 states that the redemption shall take place at the age of one month (we are now at the 40th day since Christmas) and places a price of 5 silver shekels (a shekel is about 11 1/2 grams or $50 at silver prices in 2012) as the price of redemption.
22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses,
See Leviticus 12:1-8.
they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,
There is no regulation in the Old Testament about presentation, but 1 Samuel 1:22-24 tells of Samuel being presented in the Temple after being weaned. Perhaps this is Old Testament tradition which was practiced but not recorded.
23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Leviticus 12:8, the offering of the woman who can not afford a lamb. One for a holocaust of adoration, and the other as a sin offering.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
“Simeon” means “He [Yahweh] has heard”. The Greek form is “Simon”.
This man was righteous and devout,
Denotes care in observing the moral obligations of the Law.
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
According to the rabbis, this denoted the final, unrecorded words that passed between Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:11) and that which would be made known when Elijah reappeared.
and the holy Spirit was upon him.
God is at work in saving His people.
26 It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; Although not a priest, Simeon (and later Anna) represent the heart of the temple cult – faithfulness to God.
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God,
The rabbis took children into their arms to bless them.
saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,
Simeon, the faithful watchman, can be released from duty.
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
This reflects Isaiah 42:6;49:6; 52:10. Salvation is universal, not just for the Jews. John often uses light as an image of revelation, brought from darkness to light.
33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and 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
The goals and goodness preached and practiced by the Messiah, will force men to face up to their great sinfulness (their fall). This knowledge can completely destroy, as it will the proud; or it can prompt the humble to turn to the Messiah and through Him to rise to a new life. The Greek word for “rise”, anastasis, is used by Luke elsewhere exclusively to denote resurrection from the dead.
35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The sorrow experienced by a humble person because of the demands of an exalted vocation.
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna,
Means “grace” or “favor.” A prophetess witnessed to God’s will, at least by holiness of life, sometimes by speaking in His name. Rabbinical literature recognized seven (as a symbolic number) prophetesses: Sarah, Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Hannah (Samuel’s mother, 1 Samuel 2:1), Abagail (wife of David, 1 Samuel 25:32), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), and Esther. Holy Scripture also mentions Isaiah’s wife as a prophetess (Isaiah 8:3).
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
“Phanuel” means “face of El (God)”. The tribe of Asher had the territory north of Mount Carmel on the Mediterranean coast after the entrance into the promised land, the area later occupied by the Phoenicians. In the blessing of Jacob (Genesis 49:20) and the blessing of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:24-25) the tribe is described as very prosperous. It is mentioned as one of the tribes which answered the summons of Gideon (Judges 6:35; 7:23).
She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
Or “for 84 years”. In the latter translation, this would make her 104 years old which would place her symbolically in the person of Judith, the devout widow who lived to 105 (Judith 16:23). Both Jewish and Christian tradition found an honorable place for widows in the service of the community.
She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And 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.
Here, the city is representative of all the elect, those who will find themselves in the Heavenly Jerusalem.
39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong,
This points to the necessity for Jesus’ “hidden” life as a child: He must grow strong in the full experience of a human nature.
filled with wisdom;
God’s all-embracing plan of salvation
and the favor of God was upon him.
February 2
Note: Where a Scripture text is underlined in the body of this discussion, it is recommended that the reader look up and read that passage.
1st Reading - Malachi 3:1-4
Encouraged by Haggai and Zachariah, the Jews had rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem (537-515 B.C.). But the promised prosperity did not appear; the people became despondent once more. Charging Yahweh with not keeping His promises, they grew careless in their moral and religious life. Many cast both Law and Worship overboard and fell into downright religious indifference. This sad state of affairs is reflected in the book of the prophet Malachi.
The book is dated between the rebuilding of the Temple in 515 B.C. and before 458 B.C. Malachi is wholly concerned with the religious conditions of the Jewish community. With all his might he endeavors to stem the tide of religious indifference which must inevitably lead to ruin. He proclaims the approach of the day of Yahweh: His messenger is already on the way.
1 Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me;
The Hebrew name malachi, from which the title of the book comes, means “my messenger”. The author here seems to be emphasizing how God intervenes in sacred history by speaking to Abraham, Noah, Moses and making covenants.
And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 2 But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire,
Gold and silver are purified by melting and allowing the impurities to float to the surface.
or like the fuller’s lye.
Also translated as “fuller’s soap”. A fuller is someone who increases the weight and bulk of cloth by shrinking and beating or pressing.
3 He will sit refining and purifying (silver),
See 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.
and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. 4 Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in days of old, as in years gone by.
When the abuses are eliminated the sacrifices will be as pleasing to God as they were in the time of David. Jesus’ sacrifice was even more pleasing.
2nd Reading - Hebrews 2:14-18
The sacred writer of Hebrews is unknown – which is why it is placed between Paul’s writings and those of John. It is ascribed to Paul as far back as the end of the 2nd century in the church of Alexandria but Tertullian (A.D. 155-240) ascribes it to Barnabas. In any case, it has been accepted by the Church as inspired, although Martin Luther tried to leave it out of his Protestant Bible.
It is theorized that Hebrews was not written as a letter, but more as a theological treatise. The purpose was not to expound doctrine, but to ward off the apostasy that was a real danger to the readers. As such, it is much like a written homily. In our reading today, the sacred author explains how Jesus, although superior to the angels, became a human being so that He might offer the perfect sacrifice; opening the way so that man’s sins might be forgiven.
14 Now since the children share in blood and flesh,
In the biblical sense, “flesh” means human nature considered in its weakness and frailty. As such, the “flesh” is contrasted with the “spirit” and God. The expression “flesh and blood” meaning “human being” occurs in the Old Testament only in Sirach (14:18; 17:26). When flesh and blood are separated, death occurs. Here, the sacred author speaks of human nature under the ban of death and sees death as associated with the devil. After all, death entered the world through the original sin of Adam and Eve.
he likewise shared in them,
God shared with them because He had a common union (communion) with them
that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Death was not part of God’s original plan for man. By opening heaven and enabling the forgiveness of sin, God triumphs over the devil.
15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.
The sacred author is not here talking about the apprehension we all have of the ending of this life, rather he refers to the erroneous conception that at death, man’s relations with God were severed (Isaiah 38:18; Psalm 115:17-18). Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection the nature of death was changed; heaven was opened and heaven became a means of passage out of the domain of sin into the domain of everlasting life and love.
16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham;
In the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 22:18, God promised worldwide blessing to the descendants of Abraham. This was fulfilled in Christ and His sacrifice. We are Abraham’s children; his descendants.
17 therefore, he had to become like his brothers in every way,
Since we are God’s children, Jesus is our older brother; the firstborn who sets the example.
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God
Jesus is the faithful high priest, He is worthy of our faith. The high priest, on the day of atonement, entered the Holy of Holies and offered sacrifice for the sins of the people and then exited. Jesus, our high priest, offered Himself on the altar of the cross and still makes this offering today in our behalf (Revelation 5:6).
to expiate the sins of the people.
This is the duty of the high Priest (Leviticus 16:15-16).
18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered,
The testings of Christ which have qualified Him to help those who are undergoing temptation were not only the sufferings of His passion, but also the temptations He encountered throughout His life. He was totally true to His messianic mission: a mission which was always under attack.
he is able to help those who are being tested.
The temptation the sacred author is addressing here may be apostasy, but we must be conscious that every temptation to sin is a temptation to turn our back on God.
Gospel - Luke 2:22-40 (also heard on the Feast of the Holy Family, Cycle B)
Our Gospel reading for this feast stresses the holy family’s strict obedience to the Law of Moses. Luke 2:21 says “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived.” The requirement for circumcision is found in Genesis 17:12. Circumcision is a sign of the covenant between Abraham and God. a mark which designates that they belong to God’s chosen people. Although not mentioned in the Gospel, Exodus 13:11-13 requires the sacrifice of all firstborn males (either of the flock or the family), with the provision that donkeys and sons shall be redeemed with a lamb, or if not redeemed its neck shall be broken. Numbers 18:16 states that the redemption shall take place at the age of one month (we are now at the 40th day since Christmas) and places a price of 5 silver shekels (a shekel is about 11 1/2 grams or $50 at silver prices in 2012) as the price of redemption.
22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses,
See Leviticus 12:1-8.
they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,
There is no regulation in the Old Testament about presentation, but 1 Samuel 1:22-24 tells of Samuel being presented in the Temple after being weaned. Perhaps this is Old Testament tradition which was practiced but not recorded.
23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” 24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Leviticus 12:8, the offering of the woman who can not afford a lamb. One for a holocaust of adoration, and the other as a sin offering.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
“Simeon” means “He [Yahweh] has heard”. The Greek form is “Simon”.
This man was righteous and devout,
Denotes care in observing the moral obligations of the Law.
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
According to the rabbis, this denoted the final, unrecorded words that passed between Elijah and Elisha (2 Kings 2:11) and that which would be made known when Elijah reappeared.
and the holy Spirit was upon him.
God is at work in saving His people.
26 It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. 27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; Although not a priest, Simeon (and later Anna) represent the heart of the temple cult – faithfulness to God.
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 28 he took him into his arms and blessed God,
The rabbis took children into their arms to bless them.
saying: 29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word,
Simeon, the faithful watchman, can be released from duty.
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
This reflects Isaiah 42:6;49:6; 52:10. Salvation is universal, not just for the Jews. John often uses light as an image of revelation, brought from darkness to light.
33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 34 and 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
The goals and goodness preached and practiced by the Messiah, will force men to face up to their great sinfulness (their fall). This knowledge can completely destroy, as it will the proud; or it can prompt the humble to turn to the Messiah and through Him to rise to a new life. The Greek word for “rise”, anastasis, is used by Luke elsewhere exclusively to denote resurrection from the dead.
35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The sorrow experienced by a humble person because of the demands of an exalted vocation.
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna,
Means “grace” or “favor.” A prophetess witnessed to God’s will, at least by holiness of life, sometimes by speaking in His name. Rabbinical literature recognized seven (as a symbolic number) prophetesses: Sarah, Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Hannah (Samuel’s mother, 1 Samuel 2:1), Abagail (wife of David, 1 Samuel 25:32), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), and Esther. Holy Scripture also mentions Isaiah’s wife as a prophetess (Isaiah 8:3).
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
“Phanuel” means “face of El (God)”. The tribe of Asher had the territory north of Mount Carmel on the Mediterranean coast after the entrance into the promised land, the area later occupied by the Phoenicians. In the blessing of Jacob (Genesis 49:20) and the blessing of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:24-25) the tribe is described as very prosperous. It is mentioned as one of the tribes which answered the summons of Gideon (Judges 6:35; 7:23).
She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
Or “for 84 years”. In the latter translation, this would make her 104 years old which would place her symbolically in the person of Judith, the devout widow who lived to 105 (Judith 16:23). Both Jewish and Christian tradition found an honorable place for widows in the service of the community.
She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 38 And 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.
Here, the city is representative of all the elect, those who will find themselves in the Heavenly Jerusalem.
39 When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The child grew and became strong,
This points to the necessity for Jesus’ “hidden” life as a child: He must grow strong in the full experience of a human nature.
filled with wisdom;
God’s all-embracing plan of salvation
and the favor of God was upon him.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS http://www.scborromeo.org
FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, LUKE 2:22-40 or LUKE 2:22-32
(Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2:14-18)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, LUKE 2:22-40 or LUKE 2:22-32
(Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2:14-18)
KEY VERSE: "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples" (v. 30-31).
TO KNOW: After the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, Mary spent forty days in ritual purification from childbirth (Lv. 12:3-4). When the days of her purification were fulfilled, the couple brought the infant Jesus to the temple to offer the sacrifice required by the Law. One of Israel's deepest hopes was to reestablish the temple as the place of right worship so that the glory of the Lord might return. When Joseph and Mary bring the infant Jesus into the temple, the prophecy of Malachi was being fulfilled (3:1). In the temple that day were Simeon and Anna, two elderly people, who faithfully awaited the deliverance of Israel. Simeon praised God for allowing him to behold the one who would bring salvation to all people. Then Simeon directed his words to Mary saying that a "sword would pierce her heart" (Lk 2:35). Her deep faith would not spare her from sharing the suffering of her son. Anna was a devout widow who spent her days praying and fasting for the redemption of Israel. She was a "prophetess," one who interpreted God's actions in the world. Anna gave thanks to God and telling everyone that deliverance would come through the child Jesus. Afterwards, Mary and Joseph returned to Nazareth where Jesus grew in age, wisdom and in the grace of God.
TO LOVE: Do I appreciate the wisdom of the elders in my community?
TO SERVE: Holy Spirit, help me to recognize the presence of the Lord in my life.
Sunday 2 February 2020
The Presentation of the Lord
Malachi 3:1-4. Psalm 23(24):7-10. Hebrews 2:14-18. Luke 2:22-40.
Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! – Psalm 23(24):7-10
The hope of Israel is fulfilled.
Malachi 3:1-4. Psalm 23(24):7-10. Hebrews 2:14-18. Luke 2:22-40.
Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord! – Psalm 23(24):7-10
The hope of Israel is fulfilled.
How strange and marvellous God’s return to the Temple after his
long absence. At last the hope of Israel is fulfilled, though in a manner at
once more mundane and spectacular than any prophet could have dreamed. In
today’s Gospel, the Lord returns not with the liturgical fanfare of the Psalms,
but as a tiny child in the arms of his parents. This God, this king of Glory,
not only comes to his people in order to show them compassion, but in his great
mercy allows them to look down on him, to adore him, to hold him though he is
infinite. Further, he becomes subject both to the Law and to everything else
constitutive of human life that he might be our salvation and might reveal
God’s perfect love in a manner we can grasp and be drawn to.
Presentation of the Lord
Saint of the Day for February 2
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| Saint Bernard Church, Burkettsville, OH | transept, the Presentation of the Lord | photo by Nheyob |
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.
Reflection
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.
Lectio Divina: The Presentation of the Lord
Lectio Divina
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Luke 2:22-40
The presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple
The presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple
1. Opening prayer
O God, our Creator and Father, You willed that Your
Son, begotten before the dawn of the world, should become a member of
the human family. Rekindle in us an appreciation for the gift of life, so that
parents may participate in the fruitfulness of Your love, old people may pass
on to young ones their mature wisdom, and children may grow in wisdom, piety
and grace, all giving praise to Your holy name. Through Christ our Lord.
2. Reading: Luke 2:22-40
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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, and
to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in
accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Now 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. It had been
revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had
seen the Christ of the Lord. He 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, he took Him into his arms and blessed God,
saying, “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.” The child’s father and
mother were amazed at what was said about Him; and 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 and you
yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be
revealed.” There 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, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never
left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And
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. When they had
fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to
Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong,
filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.
3. A moment of prayerful silence
- that the Word of God may dwell in us and that we may allow it
to enlighten our lives;
- that before we share any comments, the very light of the Word may shine and dominate with the mystery of the living presence of the Lord.
- that before we share any comments, the very light of the Word may shine and dominate with the mystery of the living presence of the Lord.
4. Some questions
to help us in our personal reflection.
a) Why should Jesus, Son of the Most High, and His mother Mary,
conceived without sin, obey the prescriptions of Moses? Was Mary perhaps not
yet aware of her innocence and holiness?
b) Is there special significance in the words and attitudes of Simeon and the prophetess Anna? Do not their actions and joy perhaps recall the style of the ancient prophets?
c) How can we explain this "sword" that pierces? Is it a rending of consciences before the challenges and richness of Jesus? Or is it only the inner pains of the mother?
d) Can this scene mean anything to parents today: for the religious formation of their children; for the plan that God has for each of their children; for the fears and sufferings that parents carry in their hearts when they think of the time when their children grow up?
b) Is there special significance in the words and attitudes of Simeon and the prophetess Anna? Do not their actions and joy perhaps recall the style of the ancient prophets?
c) How can we explain this "sword" that pierces? Is it a rending of consciences before the challenges and richness of Jesus? Or is it only the inner pains of the mother?
d) Can this scene mean anything to parents today: for the religious formation of their children; for the plan that God has for each of their children; for the fears and sufferings that parents carry in their hearts when they think of the time when their children grow up?
5. A key to the reading
for those who wish go deeper into the text.
a) As laid down in the law of Moses/of the Lord. This is a kind
of refrain repeated several times. Luke mixes two prescriptions without making
any distinction. The purification of the mother was foreseen in Leviticus
(12:2-8) and was to take place forty days after the birth. Until then, the
woman could not approach sacred places, and the ceremony was accompanied by the
gift of a small animal. But the consecration of the first-born was prescribed
in Exodus (13:11-16) and was considered a kind of "ransom" in memory
of the saving action of God when He liberated the Israelites from slavery in
Egypt. For this also the offering was a small animal. Throughout this scene,
the parents seem to be in the process of presenting/offering their son as was
done with sacrifices and Levites, while through the persons of Simeon and Anna
it seems rather God who offers/presents the son for the salvation of people.
b) Simeon and Anna: these are figures full of symbolic value.
Their role is one of recognition, that comes from both the enlightenment and
action of the Spirit and a life lived in expectation and faith. Simeon
especially is defined as prodek menos, that is, one entirely
absorbed in waiting, and one who goes forward to welcome. He, too, appears to
be obedient to the law, the law of the Spirit, who leads him towards the child
in the temple. The canticle he proclaims manifests his pro-existentia: he has
lived in order to come to this moment, and now he withdraws so that others may
see the light and the salvation to come for Israel and the gentiles. Anna
completes the picture, by her very age (symbolic value: 84 equals 7x12, the
twelve tribes of Israel; or 84 7 = 77, double perfection), but above all by her
way of living (fasting and praying) and by her proclamation to all who
"looked forward". She is led by the Spirit of prophecy, docile and
purified in her heart. Besides, she belongs to the smallest of the tribes, that
of Asher, a sign that the small and fragile are the ones more disposed to
recognize Jesus, the Savior. Both of these old people, who look like an
original couple, are symbols of the best of Judaism, of faithful and meek
Jerusalem, that awaits and rejoices and that from now on allows the new light
to shine.
c) A sword will pierce: generally these words are interpreted as
meaning that Mary will suffer, a drama made visible in Our Lady of Sorrows.
Rather, we need to see the Mother as a symbol of Israel. Simeon feels the drama
of his people who will be deeply torn by the living and sharp word of the
redeemer (cf. Lk 12:51-53). Mary represents the path: she must trust, but will
go through times of pain and darkness, struggles and painful silences. The
story of the suffering Messiah will be painful for all, even for the Mother.
One does not follow the new light of the whole world without paying the cost,
without being provoked to make risky choices, without being always born again
from on high and in newness. But these images of the "sword that
pierces," of the child who will "trip" and shake hearts from
their lethargy, are not to be separated from the meaningful action of the two
old people: the one, Simeon, takes the child in his arms to show that faith is
a meeting and an embrace, not an idea or theorem; the other, Anna, takes on the
role of proclaiming and en-kindles a bright light in the hearts of all who
"looked forward" to Him.
d) Daily life, an epiphany of God. Finally, it is interesting to
note that the whole episode emphasizes the situation of the most simple and
homely: the young couple with the child in their arms; the old man who rejoices
and embraces, the old woman who prays and proclaims, those listening who appear
to be indirectly involved. At the end of the passage, we also get a glimpse of
the village of Nazareth, of the growth of the child in a normal context, the
impression of a child extraordinarily gifted with wisdom and goodness. The
theme of wisdom, woven into the fabric of normal life and growth in a village
context, leaves the story as if in suspense, and it will be taken up again
precisely with the theme of the wisdom of the boy among the doctors in the
temple. Indeed, this is the episode that follows immediately (Lk 2:41-52).
6. Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me,
"Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
Our feet have been standing within your gates,
O Jerusalem!
Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together,
to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
There thrones for judgment were set,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
"May they prosper who love you!
Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers!"
For my brethren and companions' sake I will say,
"Peace be within you!"
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.
"Let us go to the house of the Lord!"
Our feet have been standing within your gates,
O Jerusalem!
Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together,
to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
There thrones for judgment were set,
the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
"May they prosper who love you!
Peace be within your walls,
and security within your towers!"
For my brethren and companions' sake I will say,
"Peace be within you!"
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.
7. Final Prayer
Father, we praise You and we bless You because through Your Son,
born of woman by the working of the Holy Spirit, born under the law, has
ransomed us from the law and You have filled our life with light and new hope.
May our families welcome and remain faithful to Your designs; may they help and
sustain in their children the new dreams and enthusiasm, wrap them in
tenderness when they are fragile, educate them in love for You and for all
creatures. All honor and glory to You, Father. Amen.
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