THIS IS THE FAVOURABLE TIME; THIS IS THE DAY OF SALVATION (2 Cor 6:2)

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

Mal 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10 (R.v.10bc); Heb 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

THIS IS THE FAVOURABLE TIME; THIS IS THE DAY OF SALVATION (2 Cor 6:2)
Presentation in the Temple is a Jewish rite in which the firstborn is presented to God and a sacrifice is made to redeem the child. This follows Gods instruction to Moses in Exod 13:2 Consecrate to me every firstborn. The first to open the womb among the Israelites, whether human or animal, is mine.

Obeying that instruction would be an act of appreciation to God for sparing their firstborn when those of the Egyptians were slain (cf. Exod 12:29-30). The idea of making a ransom to redeem the firstborn is gotten from Num 18:15-16.

Jesus parents, being ideal Jews, obeyed those legal and spiritual stipulations. This action of theirs provides us a lot of lessons that have in todays celebration.

Firstly, this celebration serves to re-educate us on the humanity of Jesus. He came into human race that he might sanctify and redeem it. That is the point that the Letter to the Hebrews makes in the Second Reading of today. He embraces our nature in everything but sin (Heb 4:15) so that through his victory over the forces that work for our downfall, we might be victorious (see Rom 8:37).

Secondly, even though that Jesus, being God, does not need to be redeemed, he allowed this so that he can give us an example to follow. Through this therefore, he teaches us that are not made for ourselves but for God and, as St. Paul said, alive or dead, we belong to God (Rom 14:8).

Thirdly, the joy experienced by Simeon and Anna in the Gospel Reading is a sign that God never forsakes those who wait on him. His promise must surely come to pass in our lives but we need to embrace the virtues of faith, patience and perseverance.

Finally, from the prophecy of Simeon concerning the Child Jesus, we can note these four points:
The Child is the Messiah that will bring glory and salvation to Israel;
He will equally be a light to enlighten those who are yet to believe in God;
He would encounter opposition as a sign that is spoken against;
He is set for the destruction and salvation of many.

As this message was for the people of Israel in Jesus time, so it is for us now. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). He can equally be for our own destruction or salvation. But it is not his will that any of us be destroyed (cf. 2Pet 3:9; John 10:10). The choice is ours; if we chose to live as if God does not matter, we would be walking to our doom. But if we remain in God, the joy that was shared by Simeon and Anna today would equally be our lot (see Deut 30:15-18).

What choice do you make today for God or against God? Choose God so that you may live and be happy in him. May Christ, the Light that enlightens our darkness, give us the grace to always make that option for him especially at the evening of our lives. Amen.

Have a memorable day ahead. It is well with you.