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Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (2nd February, 2016) 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 being 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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