Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the
Presentation of the Lord (2nd February, 2019) 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.
We celebrate today 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 is 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 a 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 for God, each
and every one of us is also set apart for God not just because we have been
bought but also 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.
Lord Jesus – Have mercy on us.
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