February 2nd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Presentation of Our Lord
Luke 2:22-40 (NRSV)
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord"), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
And the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by 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.

Reflection
So here we have a couple of prophets come forward to proclaim the Messiah. They have now seen the glory of God and can rest peacefully. Here at the temple at the occasion of Mary's cleansing. Jesus was circumcised at eight days. This ceremony was for Mary. The mother is unclean for seven days and remains home for another thirty-three days. On the fortieth day a purification sacrifice is to be made. Joseph and Mary were poor people so they offered, "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."

Jesus did not need to accompany during this ceremony. It is believed that perhaps Mary was going to dedicate Jesus like Hannah did for Samuel.

But then the prophets came forward. Prophets who had been waiting to see the Messiah before death. Prophets who would make clear the blessing of the Messiah and the horrible work he had ahead of him in this life. The result of which is joy beyond understanding. Happy and sad all mixed in together. Young and old united by a Savior. Jew and Gentile both saved as one. An awesome moment in time when we peek into the future of the largest act of love ever. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, help me to realize, when I get glimpses of you this day that I'm witnessing the largest act of love ever. May your love spill over into my life that I may love you and those you give to me as you loved... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen