Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Cycle A, Year II)
Community Word: Disciples of Christ are purified towards holiness by their love for God and others.
Theme: We are purified towards holiness when we commit to a life of worship, prayer and fasting
Promise: “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.” (Lk 2:40)
Reflection:
As members of the Catholic Church, what is the significance to us of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord? The ritual of presenting children at the temple has its origins in Jewish law. Interestingly enough, the firstborn son is believed to belong to God and so the parents go to the temple to “buy back” the child by offering a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.
This year, the Feast of the Presentation falls on the first Sunday of February, exactly 40 days after Christmas. Although it is no longer as widely celebrated, this event coincides with the purification of Mary, mother of Jesus, which takes place 40 days after giving birth.
Our readings reflect the significance of this feast day. In the first reading, Malachi prophesies an event that is to take place 400 years later: “…and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek” (Mal 3:1). And it is in the Gospel of Luke that we see the fulfillment of this prophesy. When Jesus is presented at the temple in obedience to the law, a righteous and spirit-filled man, Simeon, upon seeing the child, acknowledges the divinity of Christ as he declares:“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations (Luke 2:30-31). Anna, another elderly prophetess, also recognizes Jesus, “…the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem,”(Luke 2: 38). Malachi’s prophecy is fulfilled, and this is the reason for the celebration.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that at the Feast of the Presentation, “Jesus is recognized as the long-expected Messiah, the ‘light to the nations’ and the ‘glory of Israel’ but also “a sign that is spoken against” (CCC 529). Hence it was also referred to as the ‘Candlemas’, when candles are blessed in church, symbolic of Jesus being the light of the world. The latter part of the CCC 529 refers to what was said by Simeon to Mary, presaging the trials she was to face, “Behold this child is destined for the rise and fall 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 will be revealed,” (Luke 2:34).
As Covenanted and Committed members of BLD, we are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and bring light to the nations through our love of God and others. And, like Mary, our hearts too will be pierced many times in our life’s journey toward holiness. Sufferings, trials, failures and disappointments will form an integral part of our purification process here on earth to prepare us for eternal salvation. During our Covenanting and Commitment rites, we present ourselves to the Lord, committing to a life of worship, prayer and fasting, which are embodied in our 8 and 5 pledges, respectively. This is our theme for the week: We are purified towards holiness when we commit to a life of worship, prayer and fasting.
Our road to holiness is triggered during the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS), when we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our lives and rekindle the presence of the Lord in us through a life of prayer and worship. Fasting is not necessarily staying away from food alone, but from activities, desires or material possessions that pull us away from God. With regular worship, prayer and fasting, our lives are refined toward that of holiness through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, slowly transforming our bodies into His holy temples.
Thus, our growth in community is no longer defined by the teachings that qualify us to become Committed or Covenanted BLD disciples. Rather, each day brings us one step closer to being true followers of Jesus, strong in faith and with a heart full of compassion for others. Only then can we claim the promise for this week, “The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him,” (Lk 2:40).
Prayer
Lord, we commit ourselves to a life of worship, prayer and fasting through Bukas Loob sa Diyos. In today’s world, we are swamped with false values of consumerism and success, distorting our sense of proportion and priorities. We want to follow You to a life of holiness and fidelity, the kind of life You imparted to, and was practiced by Your first disciples. However, we have difficulty combating the negative forces at work in our homes, our workplaces and everywhere we turn. We need You, Lord, and we declare that without You, we can do nothing, but by Your grace we can do anything. Remind all of us to love You above all law, and to reach out to our brethren, especially the least, the lost and the last.
Emulating our beloved Pope Francis, make us recognize the human dignity that You have bestowed equally upon all men and women. Purify us toward a life of holiness, in Jesus mighty name we pray, Amen.
Reflection Question:
What are the top three things in my life that I need to fast from, that I may live a life of holiness?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
February 2, 2014 (Sun) Mal 3:1-4/Ps 24:7-10/Heb 2:14-18/Lk 2:22-40
February 3, 2014 (Mon) 2Sm 15:13-14,30, 16:5-13/Ps 3:2,3,4,5,6,7/Mk 5:1-30
February 4, 2014 (Tues) 2Sm 18:9-10,14,24,25, 30-19:3/Ps 86:1,2,3,4,5,6/Mk 5:21-43
February 5, 2014 (Wed) 2Sm 24:2,9-17/Ps 32:1,2,5,6,7/Mk 6:1-6
February 6, 2014 (Thur) 1Kgs 2:1-4,10-12/1Chr 29:10,11,12,12/Mk 6:7-13
February 7, 2014 (Fri) Sir 47:2-11/Ps 18:31,47,50,51/Mk 6:14-29
February 8, 2014 (Sat) 1Kgs 3:4-13/Ps 119:9,10,11,12,13,14/Mk 6:30-34
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
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