HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD.
THEME: LIGHT FOR REVELATION.
BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA.
Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40;
Joseph and Mary went to the temple to dedicate Jesus following Jewish laws and customs. The custom considers a woman unclean seven days after the birth ofa child, and she is required to go to the temple for purification. Furthermore, the law prescribes that every firsthorn male should be dedicated to God (Exodus 13:2). During the presentation (dedication) of Jesus at the temple, two prominent people appeared: Simeon, a righteous and devout man, and Anna a prophetess, who dedicated her whole life praying and fasting.
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During Simeon’s encounter with the child Jesus, he sang a canticle popularly known as Nunc Dimittis, an abbreviation for “Nunc dimittis servum tuum” (Now let thou thy servant depart). In this song, Simeon mentioned Jesus as the “light of revelation to the Gentiles” Luke 2:32). This is because “In him Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it” (John 4:5).
The feast of the presentation is also called Candlemas when candles are blessed and followers of Christ are reminded about walking in the light of Christ. Besides, this day is set apart to celebrate all those who are specially consecrated to the Lord as religious and priests. Can we take this day as an opportunity to present ourselves anew, and renew our commitment to God?http://catholicforlife.com/homily-for-the-feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-1-3
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