HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE TEMPLE.
THEME: My eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations.
BY: Fr. Deotacious Chikontwe SMA.
HOMILY FOR FEBRUARY 2ND.
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 23:7-10
Luke 2:22-40
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
WHITE
*INTRODUCTION*
Dear friends in Christ, today is the fortieth day since we celebrated the feast of Christmas, the birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, today therefore, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple of Jerusalem, the House of God by his parents, in accordance with the Jewish Law.
*WHAT ELSE DO WE CELEBRATE TODAY?*
Today, we also celebrate Feast of Candelaria, meaning Candles are blessed on this day in commemoration of the words of Holy Simeon concerning Christ. Apart from that, we also celebrate the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, after having spent forty days in confinement after childbirth, according to the Jewish laws and customs, was purified at the House of God and was welcomed back into the community of God’s people.
*FROM OUR FIRST READING*
In today’s first reading, the prophet Malachi announces that the Lord will one day enter his Temple in Jerusalem as the refiner and purifier of his people, so that their worship will be as the Lord desires it.
RELATED: HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
*FROM OUR GOSPEL READING*
At the centre of today’s gospel reading are two older people, Simeon and Anna. They were both blessed with the gift of recognition or insight. They both recognized the true identity of the child who was carried into the temple by his young parents. Simeon recognized Jesus as the light to enlighten the pagans and as the glory of Israel. Anna recognized him as the Deliverer for whom people had been waiting. They both went on to proclaim to others what they had come to recognize for themselves.
*CONCLUSION*
Today as we commemorate these three great events, let us be more like Simeon and Anna. Let us be joyful and announce to the world that Jesus Christ is the light that enlightens our lives. Let us strive to imitate also the humility of the ever-blessed Mother of God, remembering that humility is the path which leads to lasting peace and brings us closer to God, who gives His grace to the humble.
*MY HUMBLE REQUEST AS WE CELEBRATE THIS FEAST*
Happy Feast to all our Priests, Religious men and women who have consencrated themselves for the proclamation of the Gospel to all Nations.
I humbly ask everyone of us to Say, three Hail Mary’s, one Our Father, and Glory be to the Father, for a priest, religious sister or brother you know, especially pray for me your humble servant. HAPPY FEAST.
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