February 2, 2014

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4

   Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, And the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears? For he is like the refiner's fire, or like the fuller's lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, Refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in days of old, as in years gone by.

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Responsorial Psalm: 24:7.8.9.10
Response: Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
   Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! (Response)
   Who is this king of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. (Response)
   Lift up, O gates, your lintels; reach up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may come in! (Response)
   Who is this king of glory? The LORD of hosts; he is the king of glory. (Response)

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

   Since the children share in blood and flesh, he likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40

   When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of 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 Messiah 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; and 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. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. 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.

Reflection: Fr. James Theophilus

   God approaches man through revelation. Man has access to God through offerings, sacrifices, prayers etc. Man’s response is through offerings. This is so in every religion, culture and society. Even an atheist, who does not believe in a professed religion, has his appeal and approach to higher beings.
   Parents of Jesus fulfill the requirements of the religion of Moses. Not only they fulfill the law of their religion, but they also do it for Jesus about whom both of them received in revelation as Son of God. Even son of God is obliged to fulfill the law for the sake of the people. While he was being offered both Simeon and Anna received in revelation that he was the one to come and yet they received the offering.