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The Presentation




Gospel
Luke 2:22-35
'You have prepared a light to enlighten the pagans'

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,
just as you promised;
because my eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared for all the nations to see,
a light to enlighten the pagans
and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

Short Reflection

In this beautiful and poignant scene, the old meets the new. Simeon, a man guided by the Holy Spirit his whole life, represents the faithful of Israel who have long awaited God's consolation. In the humble act of Mary and Joseph presenting their child according to the Law, he recognizes the fulfillment of all prophecy. His song, the Nunc Dimittis, reveals the universal scope of God's salvation—this child is not just the glory of Israel, but a "light for revelation to the Gentiles." Yet, his following words to Mary introduce a sobering truth: this light will be a sign of contradiction, and the path of salvation will involve profound suffering, piercing her own soul. The joy of encountering the Savior is intertwined with the shadow of the cross, revealing that God's redemption comes at a great cost.

Question for Reflection

Am I open to recognizing God's presence and plan not only in moments of joy and light, but also when it involves contradiction and personal cost?

Short Prayer

Lord God, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon, allowing him to see the Savior before his death. Grant us the same patient faith to await your promises, and the spiritual sight to recognize Christ in our midst. When the light of your truth reveals the cost of discipleship, give us the courage of Mary to remain faithful, even when a sword pierces our soul. Amen.

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