Presentation of the Lord

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is an ancient celebration in the Church. It is also called Candlemas because, on this day, candles are blessed in many parishes. These candles remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. The feast is celebrated on February 2, forty days after Christmas. It recalls the day when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to God.

This event is rooted in Jewish tradition. According to the Law of Moses, every firstborn son belonged to God. Jewish parents were to bring their son to the Temple and offer a small sacrifice in thanksgiving. By bringing Jesus to the Temple, Mary and Joseph followed God’s law faithfully. This act shows their humility and obedience to God.

The Church has celebrated the Presentation of the Lord for many centuries. In the early Church, people gathered in the evening for a candlelit procession, honoring Christ as the Light. February 2, exactly 40 days after Christmas, was chosen because of this tradition in Jewish law. It also marks the end of the Christmas season for some Catholic communities.

The feast celebrates three main ideas. First, Jesus is recognized as the Light of the World, a light for all people. Second, it shows that Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it. He and His family obeyed the customs of their people. Third, it honors the deep faith of Mary and Joseph, who followed God’s will at every step.

In the Gospel of Luke, we read about two holy people, Simeon and Anna, who meet Jesus at the Temple. Both Simeon and Anna see that Jesus is special. They have waited their whole lives for this moment. Simeon praises God and calls Jesus a “light for revelation to the Gentiles.” This points to Jesus’ mission to save not only Israel but also all nations.

On Candlemas, the Church invites us to remember that Jesus brings light to our lives. Like Simeon and Anna, we are called to recognize Jesus in our world. We also look to Mary and Joseph as examples of faith and obedience.

The Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus being presented in the Temple when He was just a baby. Mary and Joseph took Him to Jerusalem to fulfill a requirement of the Jewish law. This law said that every firstborn son should be offered to God. At the same time, the parents were to make a small sacrifice. For Mary and Joseph, this was an offering of two doves, showing their humility.

In the Temple that day, two holy people, Simeon and Anna, were there. Simeon was a righteous man who had been promised by God that he would see the Messiah before he died. He was waiting and praying for this moment. When he saw Jesus, he took Him in his arms and praised God. He called Jesus a “light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel.” Simeon knew that Jesus was the Savior sent for all people.

Anna was a prophetess, an elderly widow who spent her days in the Temple, worshipping God through fasting and prayer. She also recognized Jesus as the Messiah. When she saw Him, she began to give thanks to God and spoke about Jesus to everyone around her. Anna’s joy and faith show her love for God and her understanding that Jesus would bring salvation.

Simeon also had a message for Mary. He said that Jesus would be a “sign that would be opposed,” meaning that many people would not accept Him. Simeon also told Mary that a sword would pierce her own soul. This meant that Mary would suffer as she witnessed the struggles and suffering of her Son. This prophecy prepared Mary for the difficult road ahead.

This encounter fulfilled several Old Testament prophecies. In the Old Testament, God promised to send a Savior to His people. Simeon’s words echo these promises and show that God was faithful. Jesus came not only for the Jewish people but for the whole world. This is why Simeon called Him a light for all nations.

The faith of Simeon and Anna reminds us to watch and wait for God’s work in our lives. They recognized Jesus because they were close to God in prayer and worship. Through them, we see the joy of knowing and serving the Lord, even if it requires patience.

In the Presentation of the Lord, Jesus fulfills the Mosaic Law. According to the law, every firstborn son belonged to God. Parents brought their child to the Temple and made an offering. By bringing Jesus, Mary and Joseph were faithful to the law. Even though Jesus is God’s Son, He humbled Himself to live within the rules of His people. This shows that Jesus came to complete the law, not to reject it.

During the Presentation of the Lord, Simeon calls Jesus the “Light of Revelation.” This means that Jesus came to bring God’s truth to everyone. The light of Jesus is not just for Israel but for all nations, including the Gentiles. In this way, Jesus’ mission is for the whole world. Simeon’s words remind us that Jesus brings hope and salvation to all people, not just one group. He is a light in the darkness for everyone who believes.

Simeon also speaks a warning about Jesus. He calls Jesus a “sign of contradiction.” This means that Jesus would face opposition. Some people would accept Him, but others would reject Him. This “sign of contradiction” points to Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. People would misunderstand and resist Him. Jesus’ life and message would be challenging and even painful for many.

Simeon’s words to Mary reveal that she, too, would suffer. He tells her that a “sword will pierce her soul.” This means Mary would share in Jesus’ suffering. She would experience deep sorrow as she witnessed the rejection and suffering of her Son. This moment prepares Mary for her role in Jesus’ life and death. Her love and faith would be tested, but she would stay close to her Son until the end.

The Presentation of the Lord connects the Old Covenant with the New. In the Old Covenant, people followed the law to be close to God. But Jesus brings the New Covenant, where people are saved by faith in Him. By being presented in the Temple, Jesus respects the Old Covenant while also opening a new way for all people. This moment shows that God’s promises are being fulfilled in Jesus.

In the Presentation of the Lord, we see that Jesus came to bring light, hope, and salvation to the world. Through Mary and Joseph’s faithfulness, Jesus’ mission begins humbly but with great purpose. This feast invites us to embrace the light of Jesus and to trust in His saving plan for us and for the world.

At the Presentation of the Lord, Mary showed her obedience to God’s law. Although she was the Mother of God, she did not seek special treatment. The law required a sacrifice, and Mary humbly followed this rule, bringing two doves to the Temple. Her actions show her deep humility and her willingness to submit to God’s will in all things. Mary lived her life in obedience, even when she could have claimed a unique exception as the mother of the Messiah.

When Simeon saw Jesus, he spoke of the joy and the challenges ahead. He called Jesus a “sign of contradiction” and warned that many would oppose Him. Then he turned to Mary and said a “sword will pierce your own soul.” This was a prophecy of Mary’s future sorrow as she shared in her Son’s suffering. This moment earned Mary the title “Our Lady of Sorrows.” Simeon’s words prepared her for the pain she would feel as she watched Jesus’ life unfold, especially at the cross.

Mary’s humility and submission at the Presentation of the Lord serve as a powerful example for Catholics today. Mary did not always understand what God was asking of her, but she said “yes” without hesitation. She trusted God’s plan even when it meant difficulty or pain. In this way, Mary shows us how to surrender to God’s will with faith. Catholics can look to her example in their own struggles, learning to say “yes” to God in their own lives.

Mary’s role in the Presentation of the Lord also points to her place in the mystery of redemption. From the beginning of Jesus’ life, she was by His side, supporting Him and participating in His mission. Her “yes” at the Presentation echoes her “yes” at the Annunciation and her later “yes” at the foot of the cross. Mary’s journey of faith did not end with Jesus’ birth; it continued through His life, death, and resurrection.

At the Presentation of the Lord, we see Mary beginning her role as the first and closest follower of Jesus. Her presence and obedience teach us that following Christ often requires humility and sacrifice. As the first disciple, she encourages us to stay close to Jesus in every moment, especially when faith demands courage. The Presentation reminds us that Mary’s role is deeply connected to Jesus’ mission to save the world.

Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, is a day filled with traditions and customs that honor Jesus as the Light of the World. One of the most well-known traditions is the blessing of candles. In many churches, people bring candles from home to be blessed during the Candlemas Mass. These blessed candles are then used throughout the year, especially during storms or difficult times, as a reminder of Christ’s light and protection.

The candles are a symbol of Jesus, who is called the “Light of Revelation” by Simeon in the Gospel. Just as candles bring light into darkness, Jesus brings light into a world that often feels dark or uncertain. The candlelight reminds Catholics that Jesus guides them and shines brightly, even when life is challenging. Lighting these candles at home can be a way to keep this reminder close in daily life.

Different countries celebrate Candlemas in unique ways. In France, for example, people make and eat crêpes, symbolizing the sun and the light returning after winter. In Mexico, families dress up figurines of baby Jesus and bring them to church for a special blessing. Some cultures hold candlelit processions, where people walk together in prayer and song, carrying their blessed candles. Each of these customs celebrates the joy and hope that Jesus brings to all nations.

For Catholics, Candlemas is also a moment to renew their commitment to following Christ. Just as Jesus was presented to God in the Temple, the faithful are invited to present themselves to God again, offering their lives in service and love. It is a time to remember the call to live as “children of the light,” walking in faith and trust.

Candlemas is more than a feast day; it is an invitation to live by the light of Christ all year. The blessed candles are a reminder that each person is called to share this light with others. By following Jesus’ teachings and bringing kindness, peace, and hope into the world, Catholics honor the meaning of Candlemas in their daily lives.

The Feast of the Presentation teaches us important lessons about purity, obedience, and dedication to God. Mary and Joseph followed the law faithfully by bringing Jesus to the Temple, showing their commitment to God’s will. This invites Catholics to seek the same in their own lives. Purity of heart and obedience are ways to show love for God. By striving for these virtues, Catholics can grow closer to God and live more fully as His children.

Simeon and Anna teach us about waiting for God’s promises and trusting in His timing. They spent their lives in prayer and hope, watching for the Messiah. When Jesus arrived, they recognized Him immediately. Their story reminds us to be patient and faithful, even when God’s plan seems slow. Simeon and Anna’s faith shows us that God is always present, and He will fulfill His promises in His time.

The Presentation is also a call to “present” our own lives to God. Just as Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, we are invited to offer ourselves to God. This can mean letting go of selfishness, sacrificing comfort, or simply placing our lives in His hands. Each small sacrifice is a way of saying “yes” to God, following Mary’s example of complete trust and surrender.

As Catholics, we are also called to carry the light of Christ in our daily lives. Jesus is the Light of the World, and we are His followers. Living out His teachings, showing kindness, and spreading hope are ways to share that light with others. Like the candles blessed at Candlemas, we are meant to shine in the world, especially in dark or difficult times.

The Presentation of the Lord reminds us that following God often requires faith, patience, and humility. By seeking purity, trusting in His promises, and offering our lives to Him, we follow the example of Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna. Their faithfulness encourages us to live as true disciples, sharing Christ’s light with everyone around us.

The Presentation of the Lord shows us what it means to trust God with our whole lives. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, offering Him to God as the law required. They were humble and obedient, even though they knew Jesus was the Son of God. They didn’t need the law to tell them who He was, but they chose to follow God’s ways. This shows us how we, too, can live in obedience to God, even when it doesn’t make sense to others. Mary and Joseph’s faithfulness is an example of trusting God completely.

Simeon and Anna are also part of this story. They waited their whole lives to see God’s promise come true. They spent years praying and hoping in the Temple, even when there was no sign of the Messiah. When Jesus finally arrived, they saw Him and understood who He was immediately. Their patience and faith remind us to keep trusting in God’s promises, even if it takes a long time to see them fulfilled. They were able to recognize Jesus because they stayed close to God.

This event also teaches us about offering our own lives to God. Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, and we are invited to present our lives to God, too. This doesn’t just mean going to church but offering our hearts, minds, and actions to Him each day. Like them, we are called to be humble, open, and ready to do God’s will. This can mean making sacrifices, choosing what’s right over what’s easy, or simply asking God to lead us.

Finally, the Presentation shows us how to be a light in the world. Simeon called Jesus a “light for revelation.” Jesus is the Light of the World, and we are called to share that light by following His example. Our words and actions can bring hope, peace, and love to others. Every small act of kindness, every time we forgive, or help someone in need, we are reflecting Jesus’ light.

Reflection Questions:

• How can I show more obedience to God in my daily life?
• Are there any promises or prayers I am waiting on God to answer?
• What sacrifices can I make to grow closer to God?
• How can I be a light to others in my family, work, or community?

God Returns to His Temple

For the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Bishop Robert Barron explains that this event is more than a touching moment with Simeon and Anna. It fulfills the prophecy of Malachi, who said God would return to his temple. In the Old Testament, the glory of God left the temple because of Israel’s corruption. Now, God returns—not in power, but as a helpless child. Jesus draws people to himself with love, not force. Yet Malachi also warns that God’s return will be like a refiner’s fire, purifying his people.

In the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Bishop Barron connects this to Jesus on the cross. The crucified Christ is both vulnerable and powerful. He takes on the world’s sins, burning them away in the fire of God’s mercy. When the soldier pierces his side, water flows out, fulfilling Ezekiel’s prophecy that life will pour forth from God’s temple, renewing the world.

On Purpose: Your Destiny

For the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on what it means to live with purpose. People often think greatness comes from accomplishments, but true greatness is about becoming who God made us to be. Mary and Joseph didn’t know exactly how to raise the Son of God, but they did what they knew—following God’s law and presenting Jesus in the temple. Like them, we don’t need to have everything figured out. We just need to do what we know where we are.

In the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Fr. Mike reminds us that our primary calling is to become saints. If we don’t know our specific vocation yet, we can still prepare by living in a state of grace, fulfilling our daily duties, and praying regularly. God knows and loves us better than we know and love ourselves. If we trust him and follow him each day, we will never miss our true calling.

Night Prayers

For the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Fr. Richard Ounsworth reflects on Simeon’s joyful recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise. Simeon’s words, now part of night prayer, remind us to trust in God as we end each day, whether we wake again in the morning or enter eternal rest. St. Joseph, known for his trust in God, is also honored as the patron of a happy death. His example encourages us to place our worries before God and rest in his care.

In the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Fr. Ounsworth explains that Jesus is the true temple, the presence of God among his people. Though this moment is joyful, Simeon’s prophecy to Mary foreshadows Christ’s suffering. As followers of Jesus, we share in his light but also in his trials. Even in darkness, we trust in Christ, knowing that through him, God grants us peace and a perfect end.

Mary Shows Us How to Follow God

For the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Fr. Greg Friedman reflects on how Simeon’s words to Mary point to the choices Jesus will bring. Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce her, which many connect to her suffering at the cross. However, Fr. Raymond Brown suggests a deeper meaning. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus says he has come to bring division, forcing people to choose whether to follow him. This division is like the sword described by the prophet Ezekiel, separating those who accept God’s kingdom from those who do not.

In the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Fr. Friedman reminds us that Mary is the model disciple. When Jesus says his true family is made up of those who hear God’s word and follow it, Mary is included because of her faith, not just because she is his mother. Like Mary, we must choose to follow God, even when it sets us apart from the world.

These music selections capture the main themes of the Presentation of the Lord: light, hope, and the presence of God. Songs of praise and thanksgiving are central, reflecting the joy and awe that Simeon and Anna felt upon seeing Jesus in the Temple. Many of these songs call us to recognize Jesus as the Light of the World and invite us to let His light shine through us. Other songs reflect Mary and Joseph’s humble obedience and faith as they present Jesus, the long-awaited Savior, to God. Hymns about God’s promises and faithfulness remind us of Simeon’s trust and Anna’s devotion. Together, these selections lead us in worship and draw us deeper into the meaning of this feast.

• Canticle of Simeon by Randall Debruyn
• City of God by Dan Schutte
• Christ Be Our Light by Bernadette Farrell
• Christ In Me Arise by Trevor Thomson
• Glory and Praise to Our God by Dan Schutte
• Here Is Our King by David Crowder Band
• In His Temple Now Behold Him by John F. Wade, Henry J. Pye, William Cooke & Randall Debruyn
• Love Has Come by Matt Maher
• Now Let Your Servant Go in Peace by Taizé
• Of the Father’s Love Begotten by Curtis Stephan
• Open My Eyes by Jesse Manibusan
• Our God Is Here by Chris Muglia
• Sing a New Song by Dan Schutte
• Sing of Mary by Jesse Manibusan
• Song of Simeon by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker & St. Meinrad Archabbey
• The Lord Is My Light by Christopher Walker
• Ubi Caritas by Bob Hurd & Pedro Rubalcava
• Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice
• You Are the Light by Sara Hart

Music directors and musicians are invited to explore these selections for the Presentation of the Lord. These songs bring out the feast’s themes of light, dedication, and God’s promises. Try adding some of these to your worship service, and let the message of Christ’s light touch everyone. Share your own favorite songs or ideas in the comments, and let’s inspire each other!