First reading: Mal. 3:1–4

Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears?
For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye. He will sit refining and purifying silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, refining them like gold or like silver that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD. Then the sacrifice of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in the days of old, as in years gone by.

Second reading: Heb. 2:14–18

Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Gospel: Lk. 2:22–40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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.

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 Christ 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 the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

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.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of 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.

In other words

by Fr. Mario Rasonabe, SVD (United States of America)

Mama Sally, my ever-loving mother, told me once that a few days after I was born, she and Papa Jun brought me to the church and presented me before the priest. Later I realized that presenting firstborns to the church after birth is not a familiar custom for many in our place but my parents did what people in the past used to do to fulfill the Mosaic Law.

Seminary life and later my pastoral ministry brought me to a better understanding and appreciation of today’s feast. At the start of the celebration each one holds a lighted candle and all process to enter the church while singing; “The King of Glory…” 

The thought of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus entering the temple is for me a powerful image of a King, the all-powerful Son of God entering the temple and submitting himself in obedience to the demands of the law as a child, as the Infant Jesus in the arms of his mother, the Virgin Mary. As the late Pope Benedict XVI said: “‘The angel of the Covenant’ at last entered his house and submitted to the Law: he came to Jerusalem to enter God’s house in an attitude of obedience.” As a child, Jesus started living his life in obedience, and lived in obedience until the end.

On this day, the Church also celebrates the Day of Consecrated Life. Together we praise the Lord and thank him for those who totally consecrate themselves to God. We pray that they may continue to dedicate themselves completely to God in obedience as Jesus lived and dedicated his life in obedience to the will of the Father.

For all of us, as we live daily our faith, let us be like lighted candles, always shining, and let our light be a sign of our obedience to God, like the obedience of Jesus.