On Saturday, February 2, the Gospel Reading (Luke 2:22–40) describes Jesus’ presentation in the Temple of Jerusalem as a fulfillment of Jewish law. It marked the end of Mary’s 40-day confinement after giving birth and the Jewish tradition of the redemption of a firstborn son. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple so that he might be “consecrated to the Lord.” This event was also a fulfillment of prophecy. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the face of Jesus the Lord. Simeon took the child Jesus in his arms and prayed:
“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.”
The Feast of the Presentation is also known as Candlemas Day. On this day, it’s traditional for parishes to bless the candles that will be used during that year. This blessing recognizes the great light that Jesus brought to the world—at his birth, at this first entrance into the Temple, and still today.
Image credit: Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, public domain, unknown Georgian artist, 12th century, Treasury of the Georgian Museum of Arts, Tbilisi.
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Thank you!!
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