Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

The readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (celebrated annually on February 2) speak of purification and offering. The first reading (Malachi 3:1-4) speaks of purification and sacrifice. The psalm (Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10) asks “Who is the King of Glory?” The second reading (Hebrews 2:14-18) answers that question. Our king is not powerful by the world’s standards. He offers himself to destroy the power that sin and death holds over us. In the gospel (Luke 2:22-40) Mary (who is pure) goes through the prescribed time of purification and that Jesus (who is holy) is taken to the temple to be consecrated. This was done in obedience to the law and as an example.

Some questions to consider:

• What am I willing to present to God as an offering?
• What parts of my life do I need to purify? Where am I in need of more holiness?
• Can I offer some aspect of my own life as the gifts are brought up during the offertory?

Presentation of the Lord Crossword Puzzle

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord commemorates when Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to be consecrated. There they met Simeon and Anna who blessed the child and prophesied about him. Use this crossword puzzle to reinforce the main characters and ideas in the gospel for this day. The printable crossword can be used with youth ministry or children's Liturgy of the Word or a Sunday School lesson.

Seeing Salvation – Reflection and Discussion Questions

The purpose of this reflection is to help youth understand the importance of recognizing God. They will consider what signs indicate that God is near.

They Took Jesus to Present Him to the Lord (Video)

This video from Holy Heroes tells of how Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple and they met Simeon the prophet, which is the gospel for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. A coloring sheet and Mass quiz are also available for each week. Use these to prepare for Sunday Mass at home or for Children's Liturgy of the Word.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Life Teen Summit Reflection

In this video from Life Teen, Joel Stepanek helps us understand the readings for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This weeks readings tell us that Jesus is a sign who is contradicted.