Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 02-02-16, FEAST, Presentation of the Lord [Candlemas]

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 32, Issue 2

<< Tuesday, February 2, 2016 >>

Presentation of the Lord

Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
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Psalm 24:7-10
Luke 2:22-40
Similar Reflections

PRESENTATIONS

"When the day came to purify them according to the law of Moses, the couple brought Him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord." -- Luke 2:22

This book, One Bread, One Body, is published by Presentation Ministries. We are named after the feast of Mary's Presentation, which is celebrated November 21. However, we also have a special devotion to Jesus' Presentation, today's feast.

In contemporary English, the word "presentation" refers to presenting a talk or concert. The word is also used to describe the conferring of an award, academic degree, or special gift. For example, medals, plaques, honorary degrees, awards, and prizes are presented. However, the Bible uses the word "presentation" much differently. Biblically, a presentation is a liturgical ceremony in which a first-born male child is presented to the Lord. This child is given to the Lord by sacrificing something in his place (see Lk 2:24). Another Biblical meaning of the word "presentation" is the giving of a three-year-old child to learn and serve in the Temple (see 1 Sm 1:28). Both of these Biblical presentations express a total commitment to the Lord, loving Him with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength (see Dt 6:5). Therefore, when you hear the word "presentation," think of total commitment to Jesus, and then do it or renew it. Present yourself to the Lord.

Prayer: Father, purify the Church so it can be presented to Jesus as "a glorious Church, holy and immaculate, without stain or wrinkle or anything of that sort" (Eph 5:27).

Promise: "This Child is destined to be the Downfall and the Rise of many in Israel, a Sign that will be opposed." -- Lk 2:34

Praise: Mary's parents presented her to the parish priest for Baptism on the feast of Presentation.

Perspectives on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus, the Light of the World
SOLEMN PONTIFICAL MASS IN THE EXTRAORDINARY FORM FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION

What Simeon and Anna Teach Us [at the Presentation of the Lord] (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
In Preparation for the Feast of Candlemas… [Catholic Caucus]
THE PURIFICATION, COMMONLY CALLED CANDLEMAS-DAY, Presentation of the Lord
The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple
Feast of the Purification (Candlemas)
Candlemass and Ashes
SIMEON IS OPEN TO THE LORD’S ACTION [Presentation of the Lord]
The Mysteries of Candlemas
[Feast of the] Presentation of the Lord
Orthodox Feast of The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple; February 2

In Preparation for the Feast of Candlemas… [Catholic Caucus]
Feast of the Purification (Candlemas)
Candlemass and Ashes
The Mysteries of Candlemas
CANDLEMAS The Encounter Between Chaos and Light