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Gospel Reading for February 2, 2024 – Luke 2: 22-40
PREPARING
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted – and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. 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.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
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Simeon and Anna had waited for a long time for the Redeemer to come. It was such a big relief when they recognized that the child Jesus who was brought to the temple for presentation to the Lord, was THE ONE. Simeon, who was righteous and devout, was ready to die and it was so rewarding for Anna, who made efforts to worship night and day with fasting and prayer for the redemption of Israel.
Until now, we Christians, are waiting for the second coming of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, but while we wait, we have to be like Simeon and Anna. We cannot just wait and not do anything ourselves. If indeed, we are waiting, we are also PREPARING ourselves for his second coming by doing our best to follow his footsteps. We also have to remember that Jesus once came to earth, and after fulfilling his mission, sent his Spirit to us so we may continue his work of salvation in the world, wherever we may be.
Lord Jesus, with eagerness, we await your Second Coming in glory!
