The Presentation of the Lord

Beads of Joy 02-02-10

The Presentation of the Lord
©2010 James Dacey, Jr. SFO

Hello Everyone,

A most joyous feast day for us to celebrate today: The Presentation of the Lord, today's gospel is Luke 2:22-40 (The Presentation in the Temple). Mary and Joseph had two very special encounters at the temple on this most joyous day. First there was Simeon, who was a just and upright man who was very much in tune with God and Holy Spirit. He believed that he would see the Savior before he died. The Holy Spirit immediately revealed to Simeon Jesus as Mary and Joseph approached the temple. Are we able to sense "Jesus'" presence when He is near? Simeon said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation" verse 29-30. Second there was Anna, a prophetess, who was of great age as the scripture tells us. She was an eighty four year old widow who did not leave the temple, who remained in prayer till she got to speak with our Lord. Most incredible story about two amazing people.

The power of the Holy Spirit reveals to us the presence of Jesus to those who are open and eager to receive him. Simeon and Anna would not have known Jesus as He entered the temple if their lives were all cluttered up with other matters. Do we recognize Jesus' presence in the people around us, do we sense when our Lord is leading us to someone Jesus wants our lives to touch with His word or His love. We must be able to be receptive in doing the Lord's work for Him. There's a wonderful song called, "Here I Am, Lord" Let us be open to Jesus, this song truly expresses to our Lord that we are here for Him. This is a most special day in the Catholic Church.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6fYAiqV-Bs&feature=related

Today's feast was originally known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a relatively ancient one. History shows that the Church at Jerusalem has been observing and celebrating the feast during the first half of the fourth century, and maybe even possibly earlier.

Prayer of The Feast of the Presentation
Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Today's Readings
FIRST READING: Malachi 3:1-4
("Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.")
SECOND READING: Hebrew 2:14-18
("Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy the power of death.")
THE HOLY GOSPEL: Luke 2:22-40
("And 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.")


Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr SFO