HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD — YEAR C




HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD — YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: SIMEON AND ANNA IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

BY: Fr Peter Gabriel Okon

Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

February 2nd every year is celebrated as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Today also marks the world’s Day of Consecrated Persons as established by Pope John Paul II. The Presentation of the Lord is the fourth Joyful mystery of the Holy Rosary. This event not only presents Jesus as the Light of the world, but more so is a prolongation of His incarnation, a deepening of His solidarity with us. The ceremony of the presentation of the Lord leaves us with a lot to ponder on. Today, I would like us to pay closer attention to the character of Simeon – a devout and righteous man, who waited for the consolation of Israel, and Anna – a prophetess and widow, who dedicated her life to God. Both are prominent figures in today’s feast as recorded in the Gospel.

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The prophet Malachi in the first reading prophesied about the coming of the Lord into his temple. He presents God’s coming as one that is comforting to the faithful and fearsome for the unfaithful. He describes the Lord as a purifier and refiner, coming to cleanse and renew his people. This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whom we see in the Gospel being brought to the temple as the Light and Saviour of the world.

In the Gospel reading, the parents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph were obedient to the law of Moses which commanded that every first male Jews, should be dedicated in the temple. While the parents obeyed the law of Moses, however, Jesus Himself is the Temple of God, whose presence makes the Jewish temple Holy. A key highlight of this feast is the fulfillment of the promise made to the devout man Simeon – “you shall not see death until you have seen the Lord’s messiah” (Luke 2:26).

Simeon from the moment of the promise waited in prayerful anticipation for the fulfillment, the coming of the Messiah. Like Mary, he treasured it in his heart, despite advancing in age, he did not give up hope, and led by the Holy Spirit, he was present at the temple not just to witness the presentation but more so to be blessed by the Lord himself. Filled with untold joy and satisfaction, Simeon then rendered the nunc dimittis – “Now Lord, let your servant go in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation…”(Luke 2:29-32). In liked manner, Anna, a widow and prophetess who dedicated her life to worshipping in the temple day and night was led by the Holy Spirit at that very hour to behold the Saviour in the temple.

Simeon and Anna witnessed the Presentation as a reward for their dedication to prayers and faithfulness. In Simeon and Anna, we see expression of steadfastness and faithfulness to prayers. Characters that did not allow their life situations to affect their hope and trust in God. Simeon and Anna should inspire us today to remain committed to prayers at all times and in all situations trusting God to direct us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Beloved in Christ, Simeon and Anna would be any man or woman in the community who hopes and prays daily for the CONSOLATION and RESTORATION of his people. Praying for a day when our sons and daughters would fulfill destinies and purposes. Are you waiting for something to happen in your life? Waiting for a positive change, for a better sense of direction and purpose in life? Waiting for prayers to be answered? Waiting for the next level of promotion or opportunity to move higher? Do not just wait, pray and trust God to fulfill His promises. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon the plans of God for him and equally led him to the temple at the time of the fulfillment. Anna at the very hour of the presentation was led by the Holy Spirit to behold the Saviour. What makes the difference therefore is prayers. When we pray while waiting, the Holy Spirit guides us to the next line of action leading to the fulfillment of promises.

Unlike Simeon and Anna, there may be some men and women who are waiting for the “desolation of Israel”, waiting for the destruction of people and families. But God saw the hopes and prayers of Simeon and Anna and sent His Spirit to guide them. The same Holy Spirit is revealing to good people that they will not die until they have seen the best of days in their children and children’s children. May the Holy Spirit lead us to the right places and people at the right time for the purpose of fulfilling our destinies.

With the dedication to prayers and faithfulness to God, Simeon and Anna can be a great inspiration to all consecrated men and women of our time. The consecrated life hinges on the evangelical counsels which Simeon and Anna exhibited in no small measure. We pray that like Simeon and Anna, the life of the consecrated persons, described as “the perfume of Christ love” (2Cor.2:15 ) may shine the radiance of His Light and the fragrance of His love far and wide, so that all may come to know and worship Him, and so share in His glory.

We pray for the grace of commitment to God and faithfulness to prayers and like Simeon and Anna may we be rewarded with eternal glory at the coming of the Saviour through Christ our Lord Amen.

Wishing you a blessed Sunday and a happy new month.

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