HOMILY FOR 4TH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME — YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus. This feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as “The Encounter”. In the sixth century, it began to be observed in the West: in Rome with a penitential character and in Gaul (France) with solemn blessings and procession of candles, popularly known as “Candlemas”. The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the offering of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point to Easter.
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In the first reading (Mal 3: 1-4), Prophet Malachi speaks of the mission of both the precursor (John the Baptist) and the Lord who enters the Temple with His purifying power so that the sacrifices of Judah and Jerusalem will again be pleasing to the Lord.
The Gospel (Luke 2: 22-40) recounts the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Met by two venerable elderly people who dedicated their lives to prayer and fasting, their strong religious spirit rendered them able to recognize the Messiah. In thanksgiving to God, Simeon spoke of the child Jesus as a light to the Gentiles and glory of Israel. Mary’s suffering in the course of the child’s mission is prophecied.
Dear friends, the Lord has so humbled Himself not only to be in our midst but is dwelling in us as in a Temple. Simeon and Ann were able to recognize Him as the light because of their dedication and openness to the Spirit. Am I able to recognize the Light that dwells in me and to let His glory shine out through me to the world?
I pray as we journey in life today, that no action of ours may hinder the light of God’s glory from shining unto others. May our light in Christ continue to dispel the darkness around us. May we keep radiating God’s goodness and mercy. Have a purifying-full day!
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