Homily offered at Country Meadows, Bethlehem, PA for the Presentation of the Lord 2/02/2023
The Temple was the dwelling place of the Lord where divinity and humanity embraced, similar to our Tabernacle, in particular St. Peter’s in Rome. In the fourth century, the Church in the Holy Lands had a great procession in honor of Jesus Presentation in the Temple 40 days after His birth.
The Mosaic Law prescribed, that 40 days after a woman had given birth had to present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice—her “purification.” Contact with anyone who had brushed against mystery—birth or death—excluded a person from Jewish worship. Today’s feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple more than Mary’s purification. In the eighth century, a candlelight procession and the blessing and distribution of candles became part of the celebration, hence the name Candlemas Day.
Jesus is the Light of the World.
In today’s Gospel Simeon and the widow Anna greet Jesus in the temple. They represent Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Remember in Genesis we read “let there be light” and there was light; our worldly light the sun should reminded us of our eternal Light, Jesus Christ truly the Light of the World.
Today thank God for His Light, Jesus our Savior and our Lord.
May God Be Praised.
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