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The Visitation

Gospel
Luke 2:41-51a
Mary stored up all these things in her heart

Every year the parents of Jesus used to go to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up for the feast as usual. When they were on their way home after the feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They assumed he was with the caravan, and it was only after a day’s journey that they went to look for him among their relations and acquaintances. When they failed to find him they went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere.
    Three days later, they found him in the Temple, sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions; and all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and his replies. They were overcome when they saw him, and his mother said to him, ‘My child, why have, you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you.’
    ‘Why were you looking for me?’ he replied. ‘Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father’s affairs?’ But they did not understand what he meant.
    He then went down with them and came to Nazareth and lived under their authority.

Reflection 

The Presentation of the Lord, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ or Candlemas, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem. The significance of this event is multi-faceted:
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The presentation of Jesus at the temple was in accordance with the Jewish law, which required the first-born male to be dedicated to God. This event fulfilled the prophecy of Malachi 3:1, which states that the Lord will come to his temple.
Recognition of Jesus: The presentation of Jesus at the temple was also significant because it was the first time that he was officially recognized as the Messiah by Simeon and Anna, who were both present at the temple.
Redemption of the First-Born: According to Jewish law, the first-born male child belonged to God and had to be redeemed by a sacrifice. The presentation of Jesus at the temple symbolizes his redemption as the first-born male child.
Light of the World: The Presentation of the Lord is also known as Candlemas because candles are traditionally blessed and lit during this celebration. This symbolizes Jesus as the light of the world who has come to dispel the darkness of sin and ignorance.
Overall, the Presentation of the Lord is a significant event in the Christian faith, highlighting Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, recognition as the Messiah, redemption as the first-born, and role as the light of the world.

Let us pray 
Lord Jesus give me grace to have you, the light of the world, and do your works to bring forth light into the world and bring forth the light.

Amen

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