Catholic Identity
Presentation of the Lord
Something to think about
This passage reminds us that Jesus was special from the very beginning and that people like Simeon and Anna had great faith in God's promises. It teaches us about patience and trust—Simeon and Anna waited their whole lives to see Jesus, and when they did, they praised God with joy.
For us, this story encourages us to look for God's presence in our lives, even when we are waiting for something important. Like Jesus, we can grow in wisdom and kindness, trusting that God is always guiding us. What are some ways we can show our faith and patience in our own lives?
The Story
In this passage, Mary and Joseph bring baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Him to God, following Jewish customs. While there, they meet Simeon, a faithful and elderly man who had been waiting to see the Messiah before he died. When Simeon holds Jesus, he praises God, recognising Him as the Savior who will bring light to the world. He also tells Mary that Jesus will face challenges and that she, too, will experience sorrow.
Another person at the temple, Anna, a prophetess, also recognises Jesus as special. She thanks God and tells others about Him. After fulfilling these religious customs, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus return home to Nazareth, where Jesus grows strong and wise, with God’s blessing upon Him.
The Scriptures - Luke 2:22-40
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.