The presentation in the temple

WHEN the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to 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 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; 34and 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... 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. REFLECTIONS TO PRESENT HIM TO THE LORD. Three significant events are described in the Gospel: first, Joseph and Mary bring their firstborn son Jesus to present to the Lord as an acknowledgment that God is the author of life; second, Mary is purified after childbirth; and third, Simeon and Anna recognize the child Jesus as light for revelation to the Gentiles, the redemption of Israel.

The first two are required in the Mosaic law (cf Ex 13:12; Lv 12:6-8). The offering, two turtledoves or two young pigeons, is one of the poor. Mary and Joseph show faithful obedience to the law.

Two prophets, a man and a woman, offer their vision of Jesus. Simeon declares that Jesus is God’s salvation, who is set before the people. Anna thanks God for the child Jesus, the redemption of Israel.

Humanity, represented by Simeon and Anna, offers praise to God for Jesus. Salvation embraces both man and woman of every nationality.