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Jesus’ Presentation In The Temple

Fr. Hugh Gillespie, SMM

Presentation of the Lord

 

T his feast day we seek His presence and to meet Him, who is always present to us.

The Monstrance’s meaning is to show, or to present. A monstrance is at the service of the Lord and is used to present Him to the eyes of His people. It is used so we may gaze upon Him. It is used for presenting the Lord. On the (website) page, a picture of the Monstrance appears. The homily reviews what a Monstrance is and its service.

The Presentation of the Lord. A feast day that falls forty days after His birth. Mary and Jesus, according to the custom, bring Jesus to the Temple to present Him! To whom is Jesus presented? First, He is presented to His Heavenly Father. Second, He is also presented to the people.

The Lord, who is worshipped in the Temple, is physically in the Temple on this day. This is not just people coming into the presence of the Lord. It is the Lord presenting Himself to His people. On this day we also see a strange irony. The Law requires the parents to bring their child to the Temple and offer a sacrifice to God. A sacrifice that is necessary to be made pure.

The Irony Of This Day

On this day, Mary holds within her arms, He who is the great and living sacrifice. A sacrifice that saves us from the impurity of sin. The world sees the pigeon that will be offered for the sacrifice. Heaven, and Mary, sees the greater sacrifice. Listen, and hear more about the sacrifice and importance of this day in the Temple.

Simeon Sees Salvation

Simeon was told that he would see salvation before he dies. This holy man sees this child in His mother’s arms. He sees salvation. Simeon recognizes this salvation. He takes the child in his arms. He makes contact with salvation. Simeon then says what the Church says every night. Now O Lord, you may let your servant go in piece.

Hear more about the Presentation of the Lord. Hear more about this Mystery. Listen to the salvation that Simeon sees. As you adore the Lord, gaze upon salvation and see what Simeon sees.

Simeon In The Temple: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1631

Simeon was told that he would see salvation before he dies. This holy man sees this child in His mother’s arms. He sees salvation. Simeon recognizes this salvation.

Jesus’ Presentation In The Temple

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