Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The assigned readings are Malachi 3:1-4, Hebrews 2:14-18, and Luke 2:22-40.
The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 24 (Psalm 24:7-10).
For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:
YouTube: Psalm 24 Who Is This King Of Glory - Alstott
The Gospel reading is as follows:
When the days were completed for their purification according to the
law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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 Christ 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 the 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.
Reflections on these readings:
Community in Mission: Perspectives on the Presentation - A Homily for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (1 FEB 20)
Crossroads Initiative: Presentation of the Lord - Candlemas, Candles & Light
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