First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Reflection:
This prophesy from the book of Malachi speaks of a “messenger” who will “prepare the way” for the Lord. Later in Malachi this “messenger” is identified as the Prophet Elijah, who had been taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire and was expected by many Jews to return (cf. Mal. 3:23). The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus quoting this passage and identifying John the Baptist as the “messenger” and the Elijah-like figure who was expected. In fact, the description of John the Baptist in the Gospels as wearing camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist (cf. Mt. 3:4) harkens back to the similar attire of the Prophet Elijah (cf. 2 Kings 1:8). John the Baptist’s mission was to “prepare the way” for the Lord, who is Jesus. Malachi explains that after the “messenger,” “suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD.” The Presentation of the Lord, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, is held to be the fulfillment of this prophesy. Jesus, who is the Lord God in the flesh, was brought to the Temple when He was 40 days old, soon after the appearance of John the Baptist, who was born only 6 months before Jesus.
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Reflection:
The author of Hebrews here explains that Jesus, who is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, took on our humanity in order to save us from our sins. Jesus became like us in all things but sin in order to redeem our humanity and grant us life. Jesus made redemption possible through His death on the cross. The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as the “high priest before God.” The high priest, in the Old Testament, was a mediator between God and men and would offer sacrifice to God on behalf of the people’s sins in order to “expiate (i.e. wipe away) the sins of the people.” Yet, their sacrifices of animals were always insufficient for definitively dealing with sin. Jesus, as the new high priest, offered the perfect sacrifice of His own life to definitively crush sin and death, making it possible for us to have new life in Him. Traditionally, the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple has been viewed as functioning like a consecration/dedication of Jesus for His priestly mission.
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40
Reflection:
The Feast of the Presentation always occurs 40 days after Christmas Day (February 2nd) because it commemorates Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem 40 days after His birth. 40 days was the period prescribed by the Law of Moses for the purification of a woman after she gave birth. Although Mary had no need of being purified, due to her Immaculate Conception, she and Joseph still submitted themselves to the Law of Moses out of their great humility. Their humble stature is also evidenced by the offering they made: “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” as that was what was prescribed for the poor who could not afford the more expensive offering of a lamb, along with a turtledove or pigeon (cf. Lev. 12:6-8).
Their visit to the Temple was also in line with the Mosaic Law’s command to present the first-born son to God at the Temple (cf. Ex. 13:2). Mary and Joseph followed these commands faithfully and presented the very Son of God to the Father. The encounters with Simeon and Anna make evident the uniqueness of Jesus. Simeon’s words, in particular, serve to reveal Jesus’ mission as the Messiah and Savior of the world. They are also prophetic regarding Mary’s role. Simeon prophesies that “a sword will pierce” Mary, which has been interpreted as referring to the great suffering Mary would experience through watching her son suffer crucifixion. Thus, Simeon foresaw Jesus’ act of redemption on the cross, through which Jesus would establish the New Covenant and supersede the very Temple in which He was presented by establishing the new Temple of His body as the center of worship.
Application:
- Reflect on these statements in the Second Reading: Jesus became “like his brothers and sisters in every way [except sin],” and “because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” Jesus understands whatever you are going through in life because he has experienced our humanity. In what area of your life do you need to invite Jesus to be with you in solidarity with any suffering or tests you are experiencing?
