Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Presentation
of the Lord (2nd February, 2017) on the Gospel and the Feast
Mal 3:1-4;
Ps 23:7-10 (R. v.10);
Heb 2:14-18;
Lk 2:22-40
or Lk 2:22-32.
Today, 2nd February we celebrate the close
of the Christmas festival of light. We recall that holy day on which Jesus was
presented in the temple in accordance with the Law of Moses, cf. Ex 13:2, 12; 34:19, 20; Lk 2:23. Jesus is
also entering the temple today to meet His faithful people. Hence, Christians
enter the church today with lighted candles which symbolically represent true lives
of Christians, cf. Matt 5:14; 25:1-13; Phil
2:15. Today is also known by other names which include Candlemas, the Feast
of the Purification of the Virgin Mary, and the Meeting of the Lord. This forms
the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary[1].
Topic: You are God’s.
We read in today’s gospel how Jesus was presented in the
temple with two turtle doves prescribed for those who could not afford sheep,
cf. Lev 5:7; 12:8. During His
presentation, Simeon whom the bible describes as righteous and devout came into
the temple guided by the Holy Spirit. He took the child in his arms and praised
God.
His parents were amazed at what was said about Jesus. Holy Simeon
blessed them and prophesied to Mary,
This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many
in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of
many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul too (Lk 2:34-35).
Prophet Anna also came in and praised God. She too spoke
about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem, cf. Lk 2:36-38.
Today’s feast is in line with God’s words: “Consecrate to me
all the firstborn; whatever is the first to open the womb among the Israelites,
of human beings and animals, is mine” (Ex
13:2).
We all have been bought with a price, cf. 1Cor 6:20. 7:23. As a result of this
fact, we are not our own, cf. 1Cor 6:19.
In other words, just as every first born in Israel is set apart to God, each
and every one of us is also set apart to God not just because we have been
bought but because each of us is a firstborn, Heb 12:22-23; Jas 1:18; Rom 8:23; 11:16. Therefore, in today’s
feast we present ourselves to Christ who paid for our sins with His life, cf. 1Cor 15:3; Gal 1:4; 1Jn 2:2. 4:10. Thus
Saint Paul in his letter to the Romans pleads, “I appeal to you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God...” (Rom 12:1).
Dear child of God, as we enter the temple today for the feast
of the Presentation of our Lord do not forget to present yourself. Each of us
must therefore present him/herself to God today as one approved, a workman who
has no need to be ashamed, cf. 2Tim 2:15.
We must save ourselves from destruction by dedicating ourselves to God, cf. 2Pt 2:1. God is waiting for you and me at
the temple of our hearts. We should harden our hearts no longer, cf. Ps 95:8; Heb 3:7-8.
Bible Reading: Lev
12:1-8; Matt 5:14-16; 25:1-13; 1Cor 6:12-20; Heb 3:7-19.
Thought for today: You are a firstborn son/daughter.
Let us pray: Lord, we implore You to accept us as
we present ourselves to You on the feast of the Presentation of Your Son –
Amen.
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