By Charles Muchiri
Readings for Mass
First Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4
Responsorial Psalms: Psalms 24: 7,
8, 9, 10
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:
14-18
Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40 or 2: 22-32
 |
| Simeon receives Jesus |
Today
is the day when we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the
temple.
And
fittingly, the day’s Gospel is precisely about this: The presentation of Jesus
in the temple.
Mary
and Joseph are portrayed as parents who are ready to abide by the laws of God;
they present their first born child in accordance with the law of the Lord.
They
“offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,"
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.” (Lk 2: 24)
In
those days, for the affluent; the sacrifice of a lamb was meant to be a burnt
offering and the pigeons were meant to be a sin offering.
But
those who didn’t have means were also allowed to bring an alternative to the
lamb. And that’s where this young couple falls: A category of the not so
affluent.
The
scripture projects a Christ who has been born and brought up by parents who are
poor. And as such, Christ indirectly tells us today, that being poor is neither
ungodly nor a repugnance.
The
presence of these two aged persons; Simeon and prophetess, Anna, the daughter
of Phanuel connects us to a Christ who is not only presented in accordance with
the requirements of the land, but of a Christ whom the Worlds had been long
awaiting for.
Indeed,
the prophecies of the Old Testament are now actualized in front of the very
eyes of prophetess Anna.
As
a Roman Catholic, one beauty about today’s gospel takes us back to our Holy
Rosary – and in particular, the 4th Joyful mystery; The Presentation
of Jesus to the Temple.
Subsequently
it is true, that the Rosary is in reality a set of prayers that have been
lifted directly from the Holy Scriptures.
So,
indeed, today is indeed a joyful feast! Let’s celebrate as we sing the
responsorial Psalms - Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!
(Follow this writer of Twitter: @muchirimuchoki)
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