This Sunday, we joyfully and with great anticipation, celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a significant day that marks the 40th day after Christmas. According to the Gospel of Luke, it is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple when Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, present their firstborn son, and consecrate him to God as required by the Law of Moses.

The holy man Simeon, present in the Temple, recognized Jesus as the Messiah, a “light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” This message is not just for a select few, but for all of us, regardless of our background or circumstances. The widow Anna, also in the Temple, recognized Jesus and spoke about him fulfilling the promise of redemption.

Just as Simeon and Anna were filled with the Spirit of God through their lives of prayer and fasting, we too, are called to recognize Jesus as Lord. It is not a passive act, but an active recognition. Do we realize the Lord in our midst? He is present and waiting for us to welcome him. It is our responsibility, our privilege, to acknowledge his presence in our lives.

On this Feast of the Presentation, we are called to let the Lord enter into the Temple of our hearts. Jesus is not only presented in the Temple but also to you and me, to all of us, to the entire world. He is given to the entire world as a light shining in the darkness of our lives, uniting us in his love and grace.

As a family of faith, we are called to live in the light and shine with the love of the Lord! May God continue to enrich all families with the strength they need to live a life pleasing to God in love and service to everyone we meet.

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