Word to the Wise
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 - The Presentation of the Lord
[Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40]And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek......[Malachi]<br /> 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.....
The story of the "presentation" of the Lord is like a great tapestry. We can appreciate the "big picture" formed by the weaving, but we can also draw near and appreciate the wonderful threads and the skill of the weaver! The scene is familiar enough, especially to those who pray the rosary regularly. The "Presentation" is the fourth Joyful Mystery! Mary and Joseph bring their baby to the temple to be "redeemed" in accord with the Law of Moses. In the process they meet two elderly figures who greet the child with special joy! One of these figures, Simeon, however, makes an ominous prediction. Then Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus go home so that Jesus may grow strong and be filled with wisdom. It is a scene with great charm and is celebrated around the world as "Candlemas Day" because it has been marked traditionally by the blessing of candles and processions. (Some of the candles will be used for the "blessing of throats" on Feb. 3, the feast of St. Blaise!)
Drawing closer, we can pick up some very significant "themes" (threads in the tapestry) that will appear later in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus is presented as fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi. He comes to the temple and "replaces it" by his presence. He is presented as being born to faithful Jewish parents. He is recognized by humble people of faith. The man presents him as the savior of the whole world and not just of Jews (which Luke will show in the Acts of the Apostles). He is destined, also, for rejection - "a sign of contradiction." In short, this scene could stand alone as an "overture" to the gospel of Luke!
In the United States (I can't speak for other cultures), the "Blessing of Throats" on the day following the feast of the Presentation has tended to overshadow the celebration of Candlemas! Perhaps this year we can be a bit more intentional about the feast even as we join the long lines the next day to take care of our real or potential sore throats! AMEN
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