Preaching Mission, February 2, 2018

Light to the Nations

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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days. 

Today we celebrate both the purification of Mary forty days after giving birth and the first visit of Jesus to the Temple for His presentation. “Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.… When they had fulfilled... the law of the Lord, they returned to…Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:22, 39-40). While in the Temple, the Holy Family met a holy man named Simeon who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized the Infant as the Messiah. Simeon proclaimed Jesus to be the salvation of the Jews and a light to the Gentiles. Because of that, the Presentation has long been associated with light, even earning it the alternate name of Candlemas. Many churches still have processions and bless church candles.

The Gospel account of that long ago day reminds us how Almighty God planned to save the world through His Son – who is also one of us. Then we watch Mary and Joseph take Jesus to raise quietly until it was time to begin teaching His people and revealing His power and mercy.