Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Additional Information about the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord[1]
Readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Malachi 3:1-4
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mal 3:1-4
In this passage, from the final chapter of the Book of the Prophet Malachi ("My Messenger"), the prophet’s visions first of John the Baptist (“Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me”) and then of the coming of the Messiah (“And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek”) are presented. Given that this passage is placed on the great feast of the Presentation of the Lord, it proposes that on this day we see Malachi’s prophecy fulfilled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 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!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10
In Psalm 24 we hear a longing for the coming of the Lord to his people. The psalmist gives us the image of the inanimate gates of the New Jerusalem, God’s Heavenly Kingdom welcoming the Lord of Hosts. For our purposes again, we have God in Jesus coming into the Temple. The song is appropriate for this revelatory event.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading II: Hebrews 2:14-18
Now since the children share in blood and flesh,
He (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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Heb 2:14-18
The Letter to the Hebrews today supports the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord by an apology on the Lord’s humanity. The author is eloquent in logic as he says; “Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham” meaning he came as man not as spirit in support of sons of Abraham.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:22-40
St. Luke begins the account of the Lord’s presentation recalling that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, followed Mosaic Law by observing the Rite of Purification which by tradition was required of any member of the community who had come in contact with the “Mystery”, life and death, the birth of a child or the burial of the dead.
At the Temple in Jerusalem the Holy Family encounters two prophetic figures Simeon and Anna. Both of these figures proclaim that the Messiah is come in the person of the Lord. We also hear from Simeon an image of the Lord’s passion and how a sword of sorrow will pierce the Holy Mother’s heart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Luke 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.
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."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:22-32
In the shorter version of the Gospel the focus is brought more to the revelation of the Christ as opposed to the impact of this revelation on Mary, the Mother of God. It ends with Simeon having seen the Christ now being able to go to his final rest, fulfilled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Today we are shown that Christ's life was one directing us to the Father and that he did so using the Law of Moses. His parents followed that law and, in this first recorded act of official piety they start their son on His way. Remember His later statement (Mt 5;17) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill" In addition to giving us an example of following the law, we are given another example. This example is how parents need to prepare their children to take their place in the community of faith.
Sacred Scripture over the past few days seemed to be directing us to be very mindful of the example we set for young people - especially our children. Although they probably don't remember it, when we presented our children to God in baptism, we made promises on their behalf. We also promised God that we would instruct our children through word and example. I counted - 9 times during the rite we are instructed in this manner. It is supper important.
In the end when we, as parents, stand before the Lord to answer for our lives I am convinced that what we did with his gift of children will figure prominently in our list of things to be proud of or atone for. So how do we most effectively do this?
First, we need to develop our faith so we can be teachers of it. That means we as parents cannot be just “Go to Mass on Sunday” people. We need to read scripture and develop a deeper understanding of our Lord. If we spent the same amount of time preparing ourselves for our secular (or ministerial) work as we do developing our personal spirituality, we would be hopelessly out of date.
Next we cannot be afraid to show our children we have that faith. Pray in front of them. Don’t just teach them to pray – pray with them. Involve them in service projects – doing things for others. Just do not be too surprised if they start challenging you to be a better Christian.
Today as we recall how Jesus was brought to the Temple by Mary and Joseph, we are reminded that our example of faith to others will either bring them to the house of God or drive them away. May we always extend the Lord’s invitation to a deeper relationship with him.
Pax
[1] The picture today is “Presentation in the Temple” by Simon Vouet, 1640-41
[2] ALTRE
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
Additional Information about the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord[1]
Readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Malachi 3:1-4
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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Mal 3:1-4
In this passage, from the final chapter of the Book of the Prophet Malachi ("My Messenger"), the prophet’s visions first of John the Baptist (“Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me”) and then of the coming of the Messiah (“And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek”) are presented. Given that this passage is placed on the great feast of the Presentation of the Lord, it proposes that on this day we see Malachi’s prophecy fulfilled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 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!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Ps 24:7, 8, 9, 10
In Psalm 24 we hear a longing for the coming of the Lord to his people. The psalmist gives us the image of the inanimate gates of the New Jerusalem, God’s Heavenly Kingdom welcoming the Lord of Hosts. For our purposes again, we have God in Jesus coming into the Temple. The song is appropriate for this revelatory event.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading II: Hebrews 2:14-18
Now since the children share in blood and flesh,
He (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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Heb 2:14-18
The Letter to the Hebrews today supports the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord by an apology on the Lord’s humanity. The author is eloquent in logic as he says; “Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham” meaning he came as man not as spirit in support of sons of Abraham.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:22-40
St. Luke begins the account of the Lord’s presentation recalling that Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, followed Mosaic Law by observing the Rite of Purification which by tradition was required of any member of the community who had come in contact with the “Mystery”, life and death, the birth of a child or the burial of the dead.
At the Temple in Jerusalem the Holy Family encounters two prophetic figures Simeon and Anna. Both of these figures proclaim that the Messiah is come in the person of the Lord. We also hear from Simeon an image of the Lord’s passion and how a sword of sorrow will pierce the Holy Mother’s heart.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or: Luke 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.
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."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Lk 2:22-32
In the shorter version of the Gospel the focus is brought more to the revelation of the Christ as opposed to the impact of this revelation on Mary, the Mother of God. It ends with Simeon having seen the Christ now being able to go to his final rest, fulfilled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
Today we are shown that Christ's life was one directing us to the Father and that he did so using the Law of Moses. His parents followed that law and, in this first recorded act of official piety they start their son on His way. Remember His later statement (Mt 5;17) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill" In addition to giving us an example of following the law, we are given another example. This example is how parents need to prepare their children to take their place in the community of faith.
Sacred Scripture over the past few days seemed to be directing us to be very mindful of the example we set for young people - especially our children. Although they probably don't remember it, when we presented our children to God in baptism, we made promises on their behalf. We also promised God that we would instruct our children through word and example. I counted - 9 times during the rite we are instructed in this manner. It is supper important.
In the end when we, as parents, stand before the Lord to answer for our lives I am convinced that what we did with his gift of children will figure prominently in our list of things to be proud of or atone for. So how do we most effectively do this?
First, we need to develop our faith so we can be teachers of it. That means we as parents cannot be just “Go to Mass on Sunday” people. We need to read scripture and develop a deeper understanding of our Lord. If we spent the same amount of time preparing ourselves for our secular (or ministerial) work as we do developing our personal spirituality, we would be hopelessly out of date.
Next we cannot be afraid to show our children we have that faith. Pray in front of them. Don’t just teach them to pray – pray with them. Involve them in service projects – doing things for others. Just do not be too surprised if they start challenging you to be a better Christian.
Today as we recall how Jesus was brought to the Temple by Mary and Joseph, we are reminded that our example of faith to others will either bring them to the house of God or drive them away. May we always extend the Lord’s invitation to a deeper relationship with him.
Pax
[1] The picture today is “Presentation in the Temple” by Simon Vouet, 1640-41
[2] ALTRE
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
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