Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: February 2 ,2026

Date: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Scripture Text:   Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

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:

Today’s gospel reading for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord recounts Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple for His presentation and making the prescribed sacrifice. It also tells of their encounter with the holy man, Simeon, and holy woman, Anna, who had waited in faith in the temple for the coming of the Messiah.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

How patient am I on the Lord? Do I wait in hope? Do I recognize Jesus day to day in my life and world?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You gave your beloved and only-begotten Son to us as our brother, sharing in our nature in all ways except sin. You sent Him to us to reveal your great love and to once and for all defeat sin and death through His selfless sacrifice. Send the Spirit to stir within us so that we might more quickly recognize Him in our lives, in our moments, in our world, and in others. Grant that we might be faithful followers, picking up our own crosses and following in His footsteps. 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.