The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Year C) – 2nd February 2025

Quick Glance Summary

• Theme: Jesus is God’s guiding light for our humanity.
• Key Message: Christ, presented in the Temple, is revealed as the light for the world, a light that will be rejected but a light that will endure and overcome.
• First Reading (Malachi 3:1–4): The Lord will come to His Temple as a refiner and purifier, changing His people.
• Psalm (Psalm 23[24]): “Who is the King of glory? He, the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.”
• Second Reading (Hebrews 2:14–18): Jesus became truly human so that he would truly lead us to God.
• Gospel (Luke 2:22–40): Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple, where Simeon and Anna recognise Him as the Messiah and proclaim Him as the light to enlighten the nations.

Gospel: Luke 2:22–40

Liturgical Title: The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – 2nd February 2025

"When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord—observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord—and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now in Jerusalem, there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit, he came to the Temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the Law required, he took Him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about Him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother, ‘You see this child: He is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected—and a sword will pierce your own soul too—so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile, the child grew to maturity, and He was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with Him."

Overview of the Gospel

This Gospel recounts the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, fulfilling Jewish law and revealing His identity as the Light that enlightens all. Simeon and Anna, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognise Jesus as the long-awaited Saviour. Simeon proclaims Jesus as the light for all nations and foretells His role in the salvation of humanity. He also predicts the suffering Mary will endure as her Son’s mission unfolds. The episode underscores Christ as the fulfilment of God’s promises and invites us to trust in Him as the light and glory of the world.

Connecting the Gospel to Today’s Context

It has been 40 days since Christmas. In the Bible, the number 40 connects with a time of spiritual (inward) transformation through challenge and hardship: Israel’s 40 years in the desert; Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness; our 40 days of Lent (excluding the Sundays).  

Even though the Christmas Crib is long put away, today’s feast invites us back to the spiritual significance of Christmas. It invites us to keep hold of Christmas faith, Christmas hope, and Christmas love beyond the season itself. The Feast invites us to recognise Jesus as the one who brings light to our lives, a light that can illuminate the darkness that often surrounds human experience, helping us to cope when the ‘sword will pierce your own heart too’.  

When people think of religion as an ‘optional extra’, or a ‘private matter’, or as ‘non-essential’: they do a disservice to themselves and to many others. Pain and suffering give rise to real questions. These real questions give rise to a search for what life means. Our Christian faith expresses the meaning (the light) that Jesus brings to life. Religious practice keeps us connected to it. 

Pain and suffering cannot be bypassed. There is no life that will not require resilience (that could come from faith and religious practice). What Jesus offers is ‘light’ in those ‘dark’ moments of experience. He does not dismiss those dark moments. He does not suggest that we will simply ‘get over them’, as if by ignoring them they might go away. Rather he invites to ‘go through’ them - as he has done, with faith in God’s love - and in that way he leads us to personal transformation in this life and resurrection in life to come. He goes the journey with us and will greet us at journey’s end. 

Reflection Questions and Responses

• Who or what groups might find these readings especially helpful
  • The elderly and those awaiting fulfilment: Simeon and Anna exemplify faith and hope, even in advanced age or long periods of waiting.
  • Parents and families: Mary and Joseph’s dedication inspires families to nurture faith and trust in God’s plan.
  • The grieving or suffering: Simeon’s prophecy about the sword piercing Mary’s soul reminds us that God works through pain for redemption.
  • Those struggling to find meaning in life: Jesus as the light of the nations offers hope and purpose, especially to those in spiritual darkness.
• What human weaknesses do they address, and what virtues do they aim to strengthen?
  • Weaknesses: Impatience, doubt, and despair in the face of waiting or suffering. The readings encourage perseverance and trust in God’s promises.
  • Virtues: Hope, faith, and dedication. Simeon and Anna’s steadfastness, and Mary and Joseph’s obedience, inspire us to live faithfully.
• What is the feeling tone of each reading?
  • Malachi: Anticipatory and purifying, focusing on preparing for the Lord’s coming.
  • Psalm: Triumphant and worshipful, celebrating the Lord as the King of glory.
  • Hebrews: Hopeful and comforting, highlighting the trueness of Jesus’ humanity and how reliably he brings us to God.
  • Gospel: Joyful yet reflective, combining praise for the light of Christ with an acknowledgment of suffering.
• Which saints or well-known figures exemplify the message of these readings?
  • St Teresa of Calcutta: Her life of service brought Christ’s light to the poor and suffering.
  • St John Paul II: His proclamation of Christ as the light of the world reflects Simeon’s message.
  • St Monica: Like Simeon and Anna, she demonstrated patience and faith in prayer for her son’s conversion.
• What works of art, poems, or pieces of music provide insight into the message?
  • Art: Rembrandt’s Simeon in the Temple, depicting the profound joy and reverence of this moment.
  • Music: Nunc Dimittis settings by composers such as Rachmaninoff or Arvo Pärt.
  • Poetry: Christina Rossetti’s In the Bleak Midwinter, meditating on offering our hearts to Christ.
• Where has the message of these readings been true in my life or those close to me, and is there a story I can share about that?
  • Reflect on moments when God’s light broke through a period of waiting or struggle, bringing hope and renewal. A story of patient trust leading to a profound encounter with Christ could inspire others to persevere in faith.