Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
This beautiful feast of the Presentation of the Lord is often an overlooked treasure in the course of the liturgical year. The core meaning goes far beyond a description of the holy family fulfilling a legal requirement. Something powerful and amazing is happening. Divinity is revealed through the humanity of a little child. But we notice that this privileged recognition is hidden except for two people who have grown old in their faithful waiting. The elderly Simeon and Anna become the dignified and joyful heralds representing all who had longed for this moment down through the generations.
But the feast invites us to delve even deeper. The joy of Simeon and Ann becomes our joy as we ponder the fact that God has taken on our human nature in an act of love precisely to know us and love us in all our humanity except for sin. The second reading from Hebrews simply says this about Jesus: “…he had become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people.”
Jesus is presented in the temple today, but also to each of us, no matter what our age or life situation. Whether in a crowd or in the silence of our hearts, He is our Way to the Father. Perhaps all we have to do is open our eyes, allow ourselves to be deeply surprised as were Simeon and Anna, and choose to let the Lord walk with us.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections