Seeing and Speaking of Our Lord
Reflections on the readings for the Presentation of the Lord (February 2, 2018): MAL 3:1-4; PS 24:7, 8, 9, 10; HEB 2:14-18; LK 2:22-40 or LK 2:22-32
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
This feast day honors the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem as well as the purification of His mother. Both events show the devotion of the Holy Family to fulfilling the Jewish law. The occasion provided the opportunity for the world to meet it’s Redeemer through the encounters that Jesus, Mary and Joseph had with two elderly, intensely devout people. First, Simeon announced to the Holy Family that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. “There was also a prophetess, Anna … 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” (Luke 2:36-38).
Anna recognized Jesus as the much longed-for Christ, and could not resist proclaiming this wondrous Good News to all who would hear.
Suggested missionary action: We can ask our Lord to help us fulfill our responsibilities with joy and dedication. Then we must make every effort to live out our faith in word and deed each day, eyes open in faith to recognize our Lord's presence all around us.
