Presentation of the Lord, Year C. Feb 2nd, 2025
Luke 2:22-40
Rev. Misa Furumoto
Today, February 2nd, is a major holy day known as the Presentation of the Lord, and it happens to fall on a Sunday this year. And when a Sunday coincides with certain major holy days like today, the holy day takes precedence, which is why today, even though it is a Sunday after Epiphany, the liturgical color is white instead of green.
Now, let us take a closer look at the meaning of the Presentation of the Lord together.
On the 40th day after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, His mother Mary completed her period of purification. In accordance with the Old Testament law, which required that the firstborn son be dedicated to the Lord, Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. At the same time, Mary also underwent the ritual of purification following childbirth. This ritual might be similar to the Omiya-mairi (shrine visit) that takes place around one month after birth in Japan. Parents, filled with gratitude and joy, bring their newborn child to present them before God. However, there is a key difference: the Japanese Omiya-mairi is a ceremony where parents pray for the healthy growth of their child, while the Jewish presentation is about dedicating the firstborn son to God. It is not a ceremony for the baby but rather for God. Of course, dedication did not mean sacrificing the child but offering an animal sacrifice in place of the child. Wealthy families would offer a ram, but for poor families, two turtledoves or two young pigeons were acceptable. Being a young and humble couple, Mary and Joseph offered two pigeons. We can imagine that they were filled with great joy and gratitude as they presented their child at the Temple.
While in the Temple, they met an old man named Simeon, who was deeply faithful and had been waiting for the coming of the Messiah. He had received a divine revelation that he would not die until he had seen the Savior. When he held baby Jesus in his arms, he broke into a song of praise—the Song of Simeon, which we often hear in evening prayers:
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Mary and Joseph, astonished, were then blessed by Simeon, who continued speaking:
“This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed–and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”
How is this a blessing? It sounds almost like a curse.
Before Mary and Joseph could even process these words, an elderly prophet named Anna, who served in the Temple, approached them. She saw Jesus and rejoiced greatly, praising God and proclaiming loudly to those around her: “Everyone, the Savior we have been waiting for has finally come! We are saved! Thank you, Lord!”
Mary and Joseph left the Temple, pondering the words of Simeon and Anna, recalling all the miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ birth—the angel’s announcement, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, adoration of the shepherds, the visit of the Magi, the flight to Egypt, and the massacre of infants in Bethlehem. With so much to take in, they could not fully grasp everything, but they chose to trust—to believe that God’s plan was far greater than they could comprehend. They poured all their love into raising Jesus, and He grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.
This is today’s Gospel. Now, what message do we receive from it? There are many themes—Mary and Joseph’s thoughts, Simeon’s song, Anna’s lifelong devotion—but one central message is that Jesus was dedicated to God not just at the crucifixion, but from the moment of His birth. As Simeon proclaimed, Jesus came to this world as the light, and like a candle, He gave Himself to illuminate those around Him.
This Feast of the Presentation is also known as Candlemas especially in Roman Catholic Church, a day when candles to be used for the coming year are blessed in remembrance of Jesus as the Light of the World.
The idea of being a candle—offering oneself to bring light to others—sounds beautiful, but in reality, it can feel exhausting. As for me, balancing work and household duties is overwhelming, and the other day, I shouted to my son though half-jokingly, “I’ve had enough! I want to run away! I just want time for myself!”
But then, he immediately responded, “But Mom, you look quite joyful when you’re doing things for me and my sister.” I was surprised to hear that, and burst into laughter.
So, do I actually look happy? Well, then, that’s fine!
Maybe, a candle, as it burns away to give light, enjoys doing so. And when I picture Jesus, I see a smiling Jesus—on a boat with His disciples, healing the sick, casting out demons, preaching on the mountaintop, sharing meals with tax collectors and prostitutes. Whenever He brought light into the darkness, Jesus was probably always smiling and laughing—sometimes gently, sometimes boldly.
So, let us follow His example—offering ourselves to God with joy. To dedicate ourselves to God means using our time, resources, and talents for others without expecting anything in return. That is how we become the light of the world. And that is what it truly means to love God with all our strength and love our neighbors as ourselves.
It is never too late to be used by God. When we feel burdened, we can complain to Him. He will send His Spirit to restore our smiles.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
