Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple: A Matter of Obedience and Waiting

The presentation of the Lord Jesus at the temple is an early episode in the life of Jesus that is described in the gospel of Luke (Luke 2:22-40).

According to the gospel, “When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought the child up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord as it is written in the law of the Lord, every first born 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”. (Luke 2:22-24)

The foregoing event showed the obedience of Mary and Joseph to the law of Moses and to what is written in the law of the Lord. They set a good example on how it is to follow certain rules during their time. Even up to the present time such attitude of Mary and Joseph is worth emulating.

Indeed, we have various laws that need to be followed such as the laws of the Lord that is stipulated in the Bible, the laws of the Church and the laws of governance, among others. As we are given the freedom of choice, we commit sins by now following the laws of the Lord and the laws of the Church. Also we commit mistakes by not following the laws of the government. Thus, some of us get apprehended and end up in jail. All these happen because of our defiant to such laws and regulations.

If only we get to be obedient, life would become easy. Let us therefore make Mama Mary and St. Joseph as our model in times when we are ask to follow not only God’s commandments but also the various laws promulgated by the Church and the government.

Moreover, during the presentation of Jesus in the temple Mary and Joseph encountered the Prophets Simeon (Luke 2:27-28) and Anna (Luke 2:36-38) who are both in their old age. In the reflection of Sr. Judette Gallares, RC in the Daily Gospel 2015, she said that Prophets Simeon and Anna personified what it means to wait in hope. Both had a lifetime of waiting. Yet, they never lost hope and their sights were focused on the child Jesus as the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise of salvation.

With this, it is hope that we too can wait and recognize Christ presence and love that is manifested in the events of our everyday lives.

On another note, the presentation of the Lord Jesus in the temple coincides with the celebration of the Church holiday of Candlemas which is celebrated every February 2. On Candlemas, many Christians including Roman Catholics bring candle to the church to be blessed and use it during the entire year.