February 2, 2024. Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Daily readings: Malachi 3:14, Hebrews 2:1–18, Luke 2:22–40
The Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life. It is also known as Candle Day. On this day, the parents of Jesus carried him to the temple at the completion of 40 mandatory days for the purification of Mother Mary. In doing so, the parents of Jesus depict their commitment to observe all the commandments prescribed by Moses. It is an expression of love for their God. Jesus belongs to God.
In presenting him to God, they consecrate him to God and His mission. Devout and righteous people such as Simeon and Anna come to meet Jesus, responding to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, who has been guiding them all through. They have been waiting for the arrival of the Messiah in the temple. They have spent their time in the temple praying.
The first reading from Prophet Malachi points to John the Baptizer, God’s angel, who came to prepare the way for the Lord. Malachi speaks of Jesus as the angel of the testament who shall come to his temple at the appointed time. His arrival will be a time of purification. Expressions of images such as “a refiner’s fire,” “fullers’ soap,” and “a refiner and purifier of silver” point out the importance of purification.
The entire universe stands in need of purification of all kinds. Perhaps humanity needs more of it, as they suffer from the tendency to break the order of creation more than the flora and fauna. This reading fits in well with this feast as Jesus comes to visit the human race.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews tries to explain the mystery of incarnation. It was necessary that Jesus partake of human flesh and blood. This is what will make him a merciful and faithful servant of the Lord. By utilizing his personal experience of suffering, he can aid those currently undergoing tests (cf. 2:18). This is how he participates in human suffering and gives meaning to it.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: All of us were presented to God once upon a time on the day of our baptism. We confirmed it on the day of our Confirmation. In the Holy Eucharist, we have the opportunity to consciously and personally renew this commitment. How do I make use of this great privilege in my life?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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