Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.
Mary brings the Light into your life
1. Light. Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, also known as Candlemas. The Presentation is a proclamation of Christ – Messiah and Priest, Lord and Savior. He is the light who came into this world to dispel sin and darkness. Because of this, it has long been tradition—since at least the seventh century—to bless candles at Mass on this day, which will be used throughout the year. Mary presents Jesus to us today. Jesus is the light that drives away the darkness of confusion and coldness that can make us feel sad. Let this remind you that you are here to shine, to bring light and warmth wherever darkness exists. The Lord inspires you and calls you to always move forward in truth, proclaiming that in the midst of all the darkness, the light of Jesus is present and will endure.
2. Simeon. Simeon was a man filled with hope, longing to see the Messiah. Place your trust in God and rely on Him alone. Even if you feel weary from waiting, and it is sometimes difficult, surrender yourself to the Lord and trust Him. I wonder if those nearing the end of life can truly say, “Lord, you may let your servant go in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation. I have witnessed God’s presence in my life; I have seen His light.”
3. A sword will pierce your heart. When you follow Jesus, a sword will inevitably appear in your life—the sword of bureaucracy, indifference, or ridicule—and it will pierce your heart. In those moments, look to Mary. She placed everything in God’s hands. At first, she did not fully grasp what was happening or the weight of Simeon and Anna’s words, but in time, she came to understand. The same will be true for you. What causes you pain today, you will understand later on. Trust the Light.
Never forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
