The Presentation of the Lord

Today, February 2, we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord, the day that Mary and Joseph, in accordance with Jewish Law, presented Jesus at the Temple. This day, forty days after the birth of Christ, ends the season of the Nativity. It also marks the ritual Purification of Mary, again in accordance with the Law of that time. The Presentation of Jesus is the fourth Joyful Mystery of Holy Rosary.
As recorded by Luke:
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."


25Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."


33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own heart too."


36There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.


39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2: 22-40)

Mary and Joseph take great care to follow the Law of Moses, not yet understanding the changes that Jesus would create, as Matthew (5:17) records, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Simeon’s words, and the words of the prophetess Anna, are even less understandable to Mary and Joseph, but at once, the bittersweet nature of her role, as Mother of the Lord, becomes abundantly clear. Not only will she experience the joy of raising a God-given child, but will also experience the pain and agony of his suffering and death, as if her own heart were being pierced. This moment, like all the Mysteries of the Rosary, demonstrates the inextricable connection between the Blessed Mother and the Christ—the joy and redemption of the Incarnation, tied to the fatality and suffering of the human body. In short, the Blessed Virgin experiences both the joy of life and the sorrow of death while standing in the temple, observing the Law. In presenting her first-born son at the temple, Mary also acknowledges that He came from God, and must return to God, a gracious and selfless act of sacrifice, foreshadowing the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross thirty-three years later.




Day 33 of 365
Prayer Intentions: To find joy in our sorrows
Requested Intentions: The rest and repose of a dearly departed friend (J); Reconciliation of struggling marriages (A); Reconciliation and healing in personal relationships (N); Safety for friend deployed to Afghanistan (S); Safety of friend/ relief worker in Haiti (L); Health and safety of new daughter (J); Renewal of loving Christ-centered relationship (A).
Special Intentions: Novena to Our Lady of Prompt Succor, for those who are struggling in the face of personal trials and tribulations, unemployment and financial stress, natural disasters (including the poor of Haiti), poverty, war, and exploitation. May Our Lady of Prompt Succor hasten to help us!