February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord; that day when Mary and Joseph took the recently circumsized baby Jesus to the Temple to be presented to the Lord. Mary and Joseph were obedient and fulfilled the letter and the spirit of the Jewish law. At the Temple, the Holy Family encountered two religious and devout folks; Simeon and Anna.
Simeon knew that he would not personally experience death until his own eyes saw the Messiah. As soon as he took the babe in his arms he knew and proclaimed the great canticle which is recited at every night prayer. He proclaims: "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."
And then we read of Anna, advanced in years who also gave thanks to God for seeing the Messiah. And she spoke of Jesus to all who were awaiting redemption of Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna could be you and me in this current day. As Jesus is presented to us how do we respond? Jesus is presented to us in the Eucharist and the Word, the Sacraments, the Church and in our brothers and sisters. How do we respond? Do we rejoice in prayer; do we speak of Him to all we meet; do we serve those who need our help and do we give thanks to God?
These are reflections we can carry with us in the week ahead as we reflect on the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Maybe this would be a good week to pray the rosary; both the Joyful Mysteries and the 7 Sorrows Rosary reflect on the Presentation.
No comments:
Post a Comment