Sunday, February 2, 2020

THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

”To succeed in your intentions, entrust yourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary always, but especially in moments of difficulty and darkness. ’From Mary, we learn to surrender to God’s will in things. From Mary, we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary, we learn to love Christ, her son and the son of God... Learn from her to be always faithful, to trust that God’s Word to you will be fulfilled and that nothing is impossible with God.”
- St. John Paul II

Today we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord; which originated in the 4th Century A.D. in Jerusalem. It came to be known in Rome in the middle 5th Century. It is also known as Candlemas Day. 

Forty days after His birth, Jesus is presented in the temple as per the prescription of the Mosaic Law. It is also a day to commemorate the purification of Mary after giving birth to her firstborn son. This is a Jewish century-old tradition-ritualistic rite.

The significance of  this feast to us as Christians is that it showcases to us the appearance of Jesus, the Son of God and also the Messenger of God, in His human form. So the testimony of Simeon attests to the identity and the mission of Jesus. 

The first reading brings into focus the task of this Messenger. He comes as a refiner and purifier. His entrance into the temple is the manifestation of the presence of God. His goal is to correct the wrongs and sanctify all things. As Christians, we need to cooperate with Him and be open to work with Him for our salvation.

That is why the second reading makes it clear that He shared in our nature so that He could set us free from the slavery of death. He took to Himself the line of Abraham, so that in becoming our brother He becomes a compassionate and trustworthy high priest who is able to expiate His people from their sins.

Indeed, it is for our good that He is presented to us, to suffer with us in order to lead us back to the Father. Just be committed to Him by working and walking with Him. Your life will never be the same!

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The gospel reading gives the narrative image of how this ritualistic tradition was done. The figures of Simeon and Anna juxtaposed with Jesus bring into focus the encounter of the Old Testament and the New Testament, respectively.

Like Jesus, during our baptism, we were presented to the Lord. So we have a mission to embark on, and a goal to achieve as Christians. We are also messengers to bear the good news of Christ Jesus. 

Learning from Mary lets us totally depend on God, and be ready to do the will of God in our lives no matter what. Regularly going for Holy Mass is an opportunity for purification. We need to keep our minds and hearts pure. May the grace of God be sufficient for us.

Congratulations to our ACS students for winning the Sportsmanship award for this year's Brains contest at the Brain and Brawn competition. Kudos! You are indeed ROYALS! We are all proud of you. Appreciations to our indefatigable teachers and loyal parents. May God continue to bless you all.

Love you all... See you in Church.

Fr. Emmanuel

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