Blessed Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple
Image Courtesy: St. Paul Street Evangelization
Jesus Is Presented In The Temple
When the time came for their purification according to The Law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in The Torah of the Lord, ‘Every first born male shall be designated as Holy to the Lord’) — See: Exodus 13:1-2 and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in The Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he has seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the Temple and when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him what is customary under The Law, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God saying:
“Master, now You are dismissing Your servant in peace, according to Your Word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to Your people Israel.”
The Child’s mother and father were amazed at what was being said about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, “This Child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed–and a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a Prophet Anna, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Asher. She was of great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God to speak about the Child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by The Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom and the favor of God was upon Him.
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