Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 2, 2025

Date: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Scripture Text: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go

in peace, according to your word,

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted -and you yourself a sword will pierce- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of 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 favor of God was upon him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The reading for today from Luke’s gospel recounts Jesus’ presentation at the temple by Mary and Joseph. We learn of Simeon’s encounter with the Christ child and his words acknowledging Jesus is the Christ who is to bring salvation to the people but also that there will be division among the people over Christ. Finally, we hear of Anna who also recognized in the child Jesus the long-awaited messiah.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I look for Christ daily?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You promised the world a messiah, one who would come in your name to do your will, to redeem the people. And You kept your promise. You sent your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to dwell among us as our brother, to reveal You and your great love for us, and to fulfill your will that we have life by giving His own life upon the cross of Calvary for our sins. He promised us that He is with us always. Send your Spirit to open our eyes so that we might more clearly see Christ in our world, in our lives still at work in His ongoing salvific mission. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen