Feast of the Presentation

Readings for Tuesday February 2, 2010

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40


When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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. (Lk 2:22-24)

Today we celebrate the feast of the presentation of our Lord in the temple. This act by Mary and Joseph, really speaks volumes to their humility and devotion to God. They could have easily been like, "yeah that presentation stuff is great for the rest of you people, but our child is God and doesn't need that." No, in fact I doubt that the thought ever even crossed their mind. They showed a great obedience to the Lord by following what the law says. They are a great example to us all, and it is something that we should always keep in mind that if the Holy Family though obedience to God was important, shouldn't we also think this way?

Along with the lesson in obedience, we also see that Jesus shared our experiences. It was custom at the time that every male should be consecrated to the Lord. And God saw it fit for His own Son to be consecrated as well, just like every other male at those times. I find this so amazing, because God doesn't have to be like one of us, He is far above us, but He still chose to share in all of our earthly experiences here on earth (except for sin of course). It is because He has shared in our experiences, He knows the things that we are going through. He knows the good and the bad, the pain and the joy, the suffering and the healing, He knows it all. I always find the best comfort by being with or talking with someone who has been through what I am going through. I know that whatever I am going through, I can turn to Him, because He knows exactly what I am going through. We read today from the book of Hebrews that, "Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested." (Heb 2:18) The Lord is not a stranger to human experiences, in fact He is an expert.

As we celebrate the feast of the presentation of the Lord, let us always remember the importance of showing God obedience in our life, and in the comfort found in God through our shared experiences.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with and for all that you give. Lord, thank you for your love and mercy, and thank you for always being there for us. You are our rock and our salvation, may we always come to you for the strength that we need. We pray for all those in need of conversion and all those furthest away from you, may they come to your loving arms. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.