The Feast of the Presentation in the temple is a significant event in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It is celebrated forty days after Christmas, on February 2nd, and marks the presentation of Jesus by Mary and Joseph in the temple in Jerusalem. This feast holds great importance as it represents the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.
The Gospel of Luke narrates this event, highlighting the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph in following the requirements of the Mosaic law. According to the law, every firstborn male child had to be presented to the Lord and consecrated to Him. Mary and Joseph obediently followed this command, even though they knew that Jesus was not an ordinary child but the long-awaited Messiah.
The Presentation offers several key insights. Firstly, it recognizes the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph as devout Jews. They demonstrate their trust in God's law and their willingness to carry it out fully. Their obedience shines as an example for us today, showing us the importance of aligning our lives with God's will and commandments.
Secondly, this feast establishes a connection between the Old and New Testaments. The presentation of Jesus in the temple fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and prefigures His future sacrifice on the cross. It symbolizes the passing of the old covenant to the new covenant through Jesus Christ. It also emphasizes the continuity between the Jewish roots of Christianity and the teachings of Christ.
Finally, the Presentation teaches us about the recognition of Jesus as the light of the world. In the temple, an old man named Simeon, moved by the Holy Spirit, realizes the significance of Jesus' presence. He takes the child in his arms and prophesies, “My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32). Simeon's words affirm that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of all mankind and not just the Jews. He recognizes that Jesus’ mission is global, to bring light and truth to all nations. This event reminds us to open our eyes, like Simeon, and recognize Jesus’ saving presence in our lives. It challenges us to step out of the darkness of sin and into the light of His grace.
The Presentation is a beautiful celebration that brings together the observance of Jewish tradition with the revelation of Jesus as the Savior of the world. It invites us to imitate the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph, to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and to embrace Him as the light of our lives. As we commemorate this feast, let us surrender ourselves completely to God, just as Mary and Joseph surrendered Jesus to God’s divine plan for Him.
Brother Basil is currently a junior monk in prepatory studies for the priesthood. He mainly works within the monastery; in the sacristy, serving at Mass, assisting in the monastery library, and maintaining the monastery website and social media accounts.