Homily Cycle A - The Presentation of the Lord [2/02/2020]

As most of you know that Kobe Bryant, the great basketball player’s life was cut short along with one of his daughters and 7 other people in a helicopter crash, that was sad, very sad, especially for the teenagers who died, BUT it is a sober reminder for us that we are passing through this life, preparing for eternal life.

In today’s readings Anna and Simeon were not superstars, they were longing for the Messiah.  What do you long for?  What do you long for in the deepest part of your being?  Are you longing for the 2^nd Coming of Christ?
We should be but [truth be told - I long for a warm sunny day so I can play a round of golf].  Seriously we should long for Christ’s return, it should be the foundation of our lives.



Anna and Simeon were called, “the Quiet of the Land”, they were people who “… believed in a life of constant prayer and quiet watchfulness until God …(came).” (Barclay, The Gospel of Luke, p.26)   Their lives were like ours in many ways, happiness, joy, laughter as well as tears, disappointment and sorrow.  They did not grow haughty with their successes and joys, or bitter over their sorrows and disappointments.


St. Paul wrote that Jesus was     “… tested through what He suffered …” He can identify w/ us in our pain and sorrow.  Jesus walks with us in our joys and successes, and sorrows and pains but only if we invite Him.
Today’s feast “The Presentation of the Lord” emphasizes the fact that each life is a gift, each life is precious from conception to natural death.  It, also, reminds us that the Messiah, the Son of God became man out of love, out of love for us.

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple because they were faith-filled Jews.  They drew strength, consolation and courage from their faith.  Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple was done because of the fundamental belief that each child, each person is a gift from God.  Mary and Joseph carried the infant baby Jesus to the Temple with no fanfare, no pomp, no Super Bowl Atmosphere, not even a half-time show.  These two humble, loving parents went to the Temple to acknowledge the gift of Jesus.  Jesus, true God and true man, who came among us with humility and gentleness; reflecting perfectly the love of the Creator.

In today’s Gospel Simeon prays the Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimitts) “… you may let your servant go in peace … for my eyes have seen your salvation ….” It is prayed in out Liturgy of the Hours, Night Prayers.

One of my favorite night prayers is St. Francis deSales’ “Day is Ending”, it goes like this:  “Thank you for all the gifts of the day, for the place I spent it And for those with whom I spent it, for all its joys and all its sorrows, for the troubles overcome and for those that remain.

I offer you the silence of this night, its darkness and its solitude.                    Whether you chose under the cover of this night to take away the problems of this day, or leave them for tomorrow, I will bless your name.
Thy will be done. Amen.

Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple for the ancient ceremony because they lived God’s Will Be Done.  Our earthly journeys, if done well, will include sacrifice, patience and commitment to doing God’s will.  May we always live in the radiance of God; sharing God’s light with the world.
For a few minutes, in silence, reflect on, what you long for in the deepest part of your being? 

May God Be Praised!