In the Church's liturgical life, some feasts feel loud and triumphant.
And there are feasts like today quiet, gentle, almost hidden. It is a feast that is characterised by utmost simplicity, no crowd, no noise but just a young mother and father
carrying a baby walking into the Temple like every other poor family.
And yet Heaven is holding its breath.
Because God Himself is being presented to God.
The first reading taken from the prophecy of Malachi 3:1–4 presents a tale of Israel expected power,
Trumpets, Fire, and Judgment.
Instead, a child in a very subtle manner, for God rarely comes the way we expect. Prophet Malachi says He will come like a refiner’s fire not to destroy, but to purify.
Because God’s presence burns away:
- pride
- fear
- attachments
- compromises
- Love purifies.
- Holiness refines.
When God draws near, something in us must change.
In the second reading, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews offers us one of the most consoling truths in Scripture. Here Jesus did not save us from a distance.
- He stepped inside our condition.
- He tasted:
- weakness
- suffering
- tears
- fear
- death
- and above all as a Light which enlightened the darkness of our path as contained in the Gospel pericope.
So that we would never say: “God does not understand me.” He understands. Completely.
He is not a distant rescuer.
He is Emmanuel - God with us.
Here comes the heart of the feast.
Simeon waits. An old, patient, and faithful man. Day after day he comes to the Temple. Nothing spectacular happens. Until one ordinary day. He sees the child. And immediately knows: “This is Him.”
Imagine that moment. Holding salvation in your arms. And he whispers the freat NUNC DIMITIS:
“My eyes have seen your salvation…
a light for revelation to the nations.”
- Light.
- Not noise.
- Not force.
- Light.
- Light does not argue. It simply shines. And darkness disappears. That is Christ.
Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, as we gather as a family to celebrate this unique feast of the Lord let us therefore take a look at some of the salient moments surrounding this celebration:
1. Presentation is surrender
Mary and Joseph offer Jesus back to the Father. Love always gives back what it treasures most.
2. Waiting is holy
Simeon and Anna the Prophetess teach us: long faithfulness prepares us to recognize grace.
3. Smallness is God’s method
The Saviour enters history as a child.
Never underestimate humble beginnings.
4. Light must be carried
That is why today we bless candles.
We don’t just admire the Light we carry it. Every baptized person becomes a candle.
Finally, the Lord gently whispers: “Bring Me what you love most. Offer it. Trust Me. I will turn it into light.”
- Like Mary, present your life.
- Like Joseph, obey quietly.
- Like Simeon, wait patiently.
- Like Anna, pray faithfully.
And one day you too will say:
“My eyes have seen Your salvation.”
Therefore, let us go into the world with lighted candles, a symbolism of Christ's presence among us.
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