mamabishop: Fifth Sunday of the Epiphany - Feast of the Presentation

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Fifth Sunday of the Epiphany - Feast of the Presentation

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- and a sword will pierce your own soul too." There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:22-40

They were poor and they were faithful. A first-born son was expected to be dedicated to God. The presentation in the temple also was the final stage of Mary's purification after giving birth. The gifts they brought, two turtledoves and two pigeons, was the offering of a poor couple. Others who were able would have brought a lamb as offering. To this young couple, who far from home and trying to do the right thing quietly, came a huge surprise. Simeon and Anna had been awaiting this child for a long time. Their waiting was fulfilled in Jesus. God's love, in the midst of dislocation, waiting and worry, became incarnate to them all in a very simple and tender moment. May God's love become incarnate in our simple places and tender moments.

Gracious Creator, you are present with us

in our simple homes and tender spaces

you remind us of your unfailing love

and your presence always in our humble lives.