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.

Universal

The Presentation of the Lord
02 February 2020

First reading                                                                  Malachi 3:1-4
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight–indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.
Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

Second reading                                                    Hebrews 2:14-18

Since all the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Gospel                                                                     John 1:1-18 

When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”) and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, “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.” And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “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.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Reflection

By Benj Santiago

“a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people of Israel”

Today’s Gospel is about the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. It chronicled the tradition of the Jews in Jesus' time, that a first born male child is to be presented in the Temple, to be consecrated for the Lord. 

What makes this event in Jesus' life remarkable is the fact that He had been awaited by two elderly, but more importantly, holy people: Simeon and Anna. 

Anna prophesied that Jesus will be the redemption of Israel. While Simeon declared that Jesus is also the light for revelation to the non-Israelites. In other words, for us and the whole mankind. If you were there in the Temple and heard what these two people prophesied, what would be your reaction? If you were also looking forward to the salvation of your people, you would be happy won't you? If you were an outsider listening, you too would be delighted.

Jesus is for all the humanity. Not just certain sect or race. He is “Universal”. 

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for bringing Your light and revealing Your salvation to all people. As we have received these gifts, help us to pass it on to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.