There's Hope for those who believed.

   

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord 

02 February 2025

 

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

One of the topics we discussed in canon was the seven sacraments and one of it was baptism. Our professor asked me when was the day of my baptism. I answered him the date. It was April 5, 1997. Then he said that it is good that we remember the day of our baptism for it is where the Lord have gifted us our faith. Together with our parents, offering us to the Lord through baptism, hoping for us to grow in faith and holiness.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Gospel reminds us of Hope that also coincides with the theme of Jubilee year: "Pilgrims of Hope". 

In the Gospel, Jesus is brought to the Temple, by Mary and Joseph, where Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the Messiah. Simeon proclaims that Jesus is destined for the salvation of all people, but also for opposition and suffering. This foreshadows the Hope that Simeon saw for the people of Israel. Hope that Jesus will bring the salvation to the people.

In the same way, we are called to look at our world, not with despair, but with the hope that God is at work. As we celebrate the Jubilee, we must ask ourselves: Do we bring hope to others? Do we trust that God is still leading our Church and our world despite challenges? Do we recognize Christ in the people around us, especially in the poor, the suffering, and those in need of mercy? And so let us ask God for the grace of Hope. To be an instrument of hope for others bringing light in the darkness especially to those who are hopeless. Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, purify our hearts, refine our faith, and guide us in Your truth. Like Simeon and Anna, grant us the grace to recognize Christ in our midst, to trust and hope in You. So that we, too, may become an instrument of hope, despite facing the challenges of the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Guidance Needed

The Presentation of the Lord Feb 2
First reading Malachi 3:1-4

The Lord God says this: Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire and the fullers’ alkali. He will take his seat as refiner and purifier; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and then they will make the offering to the Lord as it should be made. The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will then be welcomed by the Lord as in former days, as in the years of old.

Psalm                                                                            Psalm 23:7-10

Second reading                                                          Hebrews 2: 14-18

Since all the children share the same blood and flesh, Christ too shared equally in it, so that by his death he could take away all the power of the devil, who had power over death, and set free all those who had been held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. For it was not the angels that he took to himself; he took to himself descent from Abraham. It was essential that he should in this way become completely like his brothers so that he could be a compassionate and trustworthy high priest of God’s religion, able to atone for human sins. That is, because he has himself been through temptation he is able to help others who are tempted.

Gospel                                                                         Luke 2: 22-40

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

  Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace,

just as you promised;

because my eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared for all the nations to see,

a light to enlighten the pagans

and the glory of your people Israel.’

As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’

  There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

  When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.

Reflection by Rosalinda Markell
So often life feels like a "parched" or desert place for us-dry without consolation or comfort, and even dangerous at times. We may feel trapped, without direction, and helpless to change things, and sometimes our situation scares us, and we don't know where to find help.  And it is often in those dark and parched times, when we recognize our need and ask for help, that we find the healing that God is offering us. In a world of confusion and fear, guidance is often needed...We can easily be misdirected by the culture around us or by the brokenness within us (1 John 2:15-17)  God's Spirit, however, is here to help, to direct and guide. As the spirit is a reliable guide in life's seas. Simeon and Anna represent those who wait patiently for God to come to their aid, to answer their prayers.  Both didn't know where the Lord was leading them and yet they were open to His Spirit.  Such an expectant joy made them sense the coming of Jesus, the Promised Savior, in the Temple.  Such will be our own happiness if we have faith.

Prayer

God, You reveal Yourself in creation and demonstrate Your kindness in a stranger's sincere smile.  You are tangible but not unfelt and You caress our faces with the wind and embrace us in a friend's arms. Please guide us in our weakness and impatience, our despair and ill-will. Make us more aware of Your loving presence in us so that we may speak of You to those who like us look forward to our salvation.  Amen.