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The Presentation at the Temple
Scripture
"When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, 'Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,' and to offer the sacrifice of 'a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,' in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord."
Luke 2:22-24
"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 'Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.'"
Luke 2:25-32
"The child's father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'"
Luke 2:33-35
Meditation
Forty days after Jesus' birth, Mary and Joseph faithfully fulfill the requirements of the Law by bringing Him to the temple in Jerusalem. Though Jesus is the divine Lawgiver, His parents humbly submit to the religious obligations of their faith tradition. Their offering of two turtledoves or pigeons—the sacrifice permitted for the poor—reveals their modest circumstances and their trust in God's providence.
This seemingly ordinary religious ceremony becomes extraordinary through the prophetic interventions of Simeon and Anna. Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. His canticle, the Nunc Dimittis, expresses the fulfillment of his life's hope and proclaims Jesus as salvation for all peoples—both Gentiles and Israel. Yet Simeon also foretells the opposition Jesus will face and the suffering Mary will endure.
The Presentation reveals both the joy of recognizing Christ and the cost of following Him. Through this mystery, we are invited to consider how we present ourselves and our loved ones to God, dedicating our lives to His service. We also reflect on the prophetic words of Simeon that the child Jesus would be "a sign that will be contradicted"—reminding us that authentic faith often involves standing against prevailing cultural values and accepting the sword of sorrow that may pierce our hearts as we follow Christ.
Nunc Dimittis (Canticle of Simeon)
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled.
My eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
This ancient canticle is prayed each night in the Church's Liturgy of the Hours at Compline (Night Prayer), as believers entrust themselves to God at the end of the day.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I present myself, my work, and my loved ones to God?
- How faithfully do I fulfill my religious obligations and commitments?
- Am I open to recognizing Christ's presence in unexpected places and people, as Simeon was?
- What "swords" of sorrow have pierced my heart in following Christ, and how have these experiences deepened my faith?
- How does my faith in Christ serve as "a light for revelation" to those around me?
Fruit of the Mystery
The spiritual fruits of this mystery are:
- Obedience - Faithfulness to God's law and the promptings of the Holy Spirit
- Purification - Openness to the purifying work of God in our lives
- Presentation - Offering ourselves and our loved ones to God's service
Prayer
Lord Jesus, who was presented in the Temple according to the Law, grant me the grace of obedience to your will and to the legitimate authorities you have placed in my life. Like Mary and Joseph, may I faithfully fulfill my religious duties with humility and devotion. Give me the wisdom of Simeon to recognize your presence in my daily life and the courage to proclaim you as the light of all nations. Help me to accept the sword of sorrow that may come from following you faithfully, trusting that through the challenges and sufferings of discipleship, the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. May I present my whole self to you as an offering of love, holding nothing back from your service. As I contemplate this mystery, purify my heart and renew my commitment to you. Amen.
Art and Tradition
The Presentation in the Temple has been a beloved subject for Christian artists through the centuries. Typically, these depictions show Mary presenting the infant Jesus to Simeon, with Joseph often carrying the sacrificial doves. The aged prophetess Anna is sometimes included in the background. The temple setting is often grand and majestic, highlighting the significance of this moment when the Lord enters His temple.
The Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, forty days after Christmas. This feast is also known as Candlemas because of the tradition of blessing candles on this day, symbolizing Christ as the "light for revelation to the Gentiles" mentioned in Simeon's canticle. In many cultures, there are processions with lighted candles, representing the entry of Christ, the Light of the World, into the temple.
The Presentation is one of the oldest feasts of the Christian calendar, celebrated since at least the 4th century in Jerusalem. It marks the end of the extended Christmas season and, in many traditions, is the day when Christmas decorations are finally taken down. The feast has both a Christological dimension, focusing on Jesus' consecration to God, and a Marian dimension, commemorating Mary's ritual purification after childbirth.