Word to the Wise
Thursday, February 2, 2023 - Feb. 2: The Presentation of the Lord
[Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32]“Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples….” [Luke]
These words begin the “canticle of Simeon”, the song of a old man who has laid eyes on the infant Jesus and recognized the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel. It is a song of joy but one tinged with the sorrow of a dire prediction of the future. Emphasis on this feast of the Presentation of the Lord is on revelation and light, but that light is shining in darkness. The prophecy of Malachi is fulfilled in Jesus being brought to the temple and then God is truly present.
In keeping with the emphasis on revelation and light, candles are blessed today. In a long tradition, some of those candles will be used in the blessing of throats on the feast of St. Blaise, which occurs tomorrow! Many religious orders will celebrate a day of recognition of consecrated life.
The evangelist Luke has offered a broad vision in a single event, but the charm of the story with the parents, Baby Jesus, Simeon and Anna remains to tug at the heart. That charm should not dull us to the warning from Simeon, however. The presentation of the Lord is a presentation of his entire life! AMEN