HOMILY YEARS ABC
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
(Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Heb 2:10-18; Lk 2:22-24)
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Lucie Leduc, director of the Star of the North retreat Centre, recalls with some emotion that she was held at length, and in that sense, blessed by her widowed aunt who was entering religious life as a cloistered Carmelite nun, knowing that she would rarely see her again. She still draws strength from that blessing.
Since Christmas, through the feasts of the Epiphany, Holy Family, Mother of God, and Baptism of Jesus, the readings have been slowly revealing who Jesus really is: Saviour, Lord, Christ, Son of God, Messiah.
Today, we hear that Jesus is the Christ of the Lord, Salvation, Light for the Gentiles, Glory of Israel, Liberator, refiner, purifier and Suffering Servant.
The love and power of Jesus present in our lives is a blessing we can count on. We are invited to be like Simeon and Anna, to recognize him, put our trust in him, experience his liberating power and then praise and worship God for Him.
The late Fr. Michael Mireau from Edmonton, known as Catfish, shares some interesting insights into this passage on the presentation. Luke who usually has it right on the OT, mixes things up here. First, there are two rituals in Jewish tradition, one to purify the mother and family (one month after the birth) and another ritual to present the newborn in the Temple (one year after the birth). Luke puts both together to teach that it is through this child who is being presented that all will be purified, redeemed, saved.
The sudden entrance of the Lord in his temple mentioned in the first reading from the prophet Malachi can be explained by the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner sent to prepare the way for the messiah. The birth of John only six months before Jesus allowed the God-made-man and Lord to enter the Temple soon (suddenly) after the birth of his cousin John and present himself to all who were searching for him.
The Holy Spirit comes on Simeon like on Mary, and he is prompted by that Spirit to see this child as the Christ, the anointed one; the Lord; the salvation, light to pagans and glory to Israel
It is noteworthy that both Simeon and Anna are unique in that they recognize that this child, of all the children presented in the Temple over time, is the Messiah; the Saviour of Israel, the one who will redeem the world. The latter reminds us of the birth of Jesus, with light in the sky and angels singing glory to God on high.
Simeon’s prophecy adds another title, a sign to be rejected, and a sword to pierce Mary’s heart too. Anna, the prophetess, has impeccable credentials (married 7 years and now constantly in the Temple serving God) and speaks of Jesus to all who were hoping for deliverance, that is, for savior. There is a wealth of spirituality just in the titles and descriptions of Jesus
This account of the Presentation also pre-sages another significant event in the life of Jesus, the Transfiguration. Let us compare and contrast the two accounts:
- Location: the Temple in Jerusalem (a Lucan focus) vs. the mountain
- Persons: the Holy Family vs. the three disciples
- OT elders: Simeon and Anna vs. Moses and Elijah
- Blessing: Simeon blesses God and the parents, vs. the Father’s voice to the Son
- Trinity: Law, Jesus and inspiration of the Spirit, vs. Voice, Jesus and a cloud
- Reaction: wonder and pondering of the parents, vs. building three tents by Peter
- Passion prediction: a sword for Mary and opposition for Jesus, vs. his passing
- Return: to ordinary life of Nazareth, vs. down the mountain to daily life
The love and power of Jesus present in our lives is a blessing we can count on. We are invited to be like Simeon and Anna, to recognize him, put our trust in him, experience his liberating power and then praise and worship God for Him.
So remember, the love and power of Jesus present in our lives is a blessing we can count on.
