The Presentation Of The Lord

Jesus took human form to be visible to us.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Friday of 4th Week in Ordinary Time II, February 2nd, 2024
Texts: Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 

The Preacher says, “Is there a thing of which it is said, ‘See, this is new’? It has already been, in the ages before us” (Eccl. 1:10). This word is true about the presentation of the Lord, which we celebrate today. It is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Malachi. He says, “The  Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the  Lord of hosts.”  

God does not take us unaware. Amos says, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets” (3:7). 

Jesus himself likewise partook of the same nature

Prophet Malachi tells us it is the Lord who will come to His temple. He does not tell us in what form He shall come. The second reading tells us the form in which He comes and why. We read, “Since the children share in flesh and blood,  Jesus himself likewise partook of the same nature”. 

Jesus took human form to be visible to us and enhance our relation with Him. He entered His temple in human form. In our time He is present in form of Bread and Wine in His Church. He is also present in His words, in His priests and in the congregation. 

Joseph and Mary fulfilled the prophecy in keeping to the Law

Today’s gospel reading tells us how the prophecy of Malachi is fulfilled. Joseph and Mary fulfilled the prophecy in keeping to the Law. This tells us how we fulfil the purpose of God for us in keeping the gospel.  

We do not need any extraordinary ways to fulfil our purpose on earth than to live daily as God’s children. This includes receiving baptism and keeping baptismal promises; receiving holy communion and becoming what we have received; being confirmed and becoming soldiers of Christ; and being married, professed or ordained and being faithful to the state of life. 

The gospel reading also tells us the presence of witnesses at the presentation of the Lord. Simeon and Anna were witnesses to the fulfilment of the prophecy of Malachi through the Baby Jesus.  

Simeon and Anna were witnesses to the fulfilment of the prophecy

It is said about Simeon thus: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon,... And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the  Lord's Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child  Jesus”.  

We read about Anna thus: “And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, ... And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” 

Our presentation to God to be holy

The presentation of the Lord to His Father is our presentation to God to be holy. It is said “As it is written in the law of the  Lord, ‘Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the  Lord’" 

In the second reading, we read, “Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.” His coming is that we may receive mercy and be holy. 

Prayer  

Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke