Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

First Reading. Mal. 3: 1-4.

Prophet Malachi proclaims the message of God regarding the coming of the Lord. The Lord would come as the refiner and purifier. He would refine and purify the Israelites and accept them as in former days.

Second Reading. Heb. 2: 14-18.

Jesus took flesh and blood so that He could share the same brotherhood with us. He did not come as an angel but as one of us. He himself has gone through all temptation; therefore He is able to help others who are tempted.

Gospel. Lk. 2: 22-40.

Jesus is brought to the Temple to be purified. There at the Temple Simeon recognizes the Lord and pronounces his proclamation. Prophetess Anna too recognizes the Lord and praises the Lord for his blessing upon her.

Reflection.

The second of February is the feast of the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple. Which is also called the purification of the Blessed Virgin. Forty days after His birth. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple of Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord as the Law of Moses had prescribed. They carried with them the usual offering of the poor, a pair of turtledoves. The Law of Moses commanded that the first-born male child should be offered to God in thanksgiving for the sparing, by the extreme enacting angel, of the Israelite in Egypt.

The Law also prescribed that on the fortieth day after the birth of her child a mother should offer a sacrifice of purification from legal stain; namely a lamb and a young pigeon, or should she be poor, a pair of young pigeons or turtledoves.

At the time of the presentation and purification there was in Temple a just and a God-fearing man named Simeon. He looked forward to Israel’s confronting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set his eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Simeon, who recognized the infant, the Messiah and taking Him in his arms, declared Him savior, the light of the Gentiles and the Glory of Israel. 

Prophetess Anna the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher too recognizes the Lord and gave praise and spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.
Jesus is the one sent by God. He is the refiner and the purifier. He is the Savior. We all are called to turn to Him; for He is the one who could help us in or struggles. He himself has gone through all temptation without sin; therefore he is able to help others who are tempted.

Aid Story.

Several years ago a Santa Fe train was speeding through Oklahoma. In one of the coaches sat a young woman desperately trying to take care of a restless baby. Whose crying was evidently annoying the passengers. Across the aisle sat a stout fellow, a picture of comfort and rich living. He glowered at the woman and shouted. “Can’t you keep that child quiet?” On taking a further look at that young lady; He noticed that her dress was one of mourning.

Then he heard her gently. “I can’t help it. The child is not mine. I am doing my best.” “Where is the mother?” “In her coffin sir,” answered the young lady; “in the baggage car up ahead.” The steely eyes of the fat fellow filled with tears. He got up, took the child in his arms kissed it, and then walked up and down the aisle with the child trying his best to sooth the motherless one and make good for his harshness. There would be much more gentleness and caring if we only knew but a particle of what other people are going through.

Aid Story 2

An elderly Catholic woman had never married. After she died, her will stipulated that there be no male pallbearers at her funeral Mass. She wrote. “They wouldn’t take me out while I was alive. I don’t want them to take me out when I’m dead.” Marian year. I wish to go to Jerusalem if you will permit me, to see the holy faithful who are there, especially Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who is said to be admired and loved by all. For what friend of our faith… would not be delighted to see and speak to her who brought forth the true God? (St. Ignatius of Antioch)

Rev. Fr. Ciswan De Croos.