Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Feast Day: February 2
Liturgical Color: White (Joy and Light)
Significance: Celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and His recognition as the Light of the World.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, commemorates the event when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple in accordance with Jewish law (Luke 2:22-40). This moment, which occurred forty days after Christ’s birth, reveals Jesus as the Messiah and the Light of the Nations.

During this event:

1. Mary and Joseph fulfill the Mosaic Law by offering their firstborn son to God.
2. Simeon, a righteous man, recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
3. Anna, a prophetess, proclaims His redemptive mission to all.

This feast is a significant bridge between Christmas and Easter, showing that Christ was born to fulfill the Law and ultimately to redeem humanity.

"And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.’"

• This act fulfills Leviticus 12:2-8, which required Jewish mothers to undergo a purification rite after childbirth.
• Mary and Joseph, though presenting the Son of God, humbly obey Jewish tradition, demonstrating their faithfulness to God's law.

"Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

• Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, proclaims that Jesus is the Savior not only of Israel but of all nations.
• He calls Jesus “a light for revelation to the Gentiles”, echoing Isaiah 42:6:
  "I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
• Simeon also warns Mary that her Son will face opposition, and that a sword will pierce her heart—a prophecy of Christ’s Passion and her role as the Sorrowful Mother.

"And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem."

• Anna, a holy widow and prophetess, confirms Jesus’ mission and proclaims Him to those seeking redemption.
• Her presence shows that women, too, played a prophetic role in recognizing the Messiah.

The Feast of the Presentation highlights:

1. Jesus' Consecration to the Father – As the Firstborn, He is dedicated to God, foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.
2. The Fulfillment of the Old Testament – Christ is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets (Luke 24:44).
3. Mary’s Role in Salvation – Simeon’s prophecy about the sword piercing her soul anticipates Mary’s suffering at the foot of the Cross.
4. Christ as the Light of the World – The theme of light is central, leading to the tradition of Candlemas (blessing of candles).

• 4th Century: The Feast of the Presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem, where pilgrims observed processions with candles.
• 5th Century: The feast spread to Constantinople and Rome, emphasizing Christ as the Light to the Nations.
• 7th Century: Pope Sergius I formalized the practice of blessing candles, leading to the feast’s alternate name, Candlemas.

• Candles symbolize Christ as the Light of the World (John 8:12).
• In many Catholic churches, candles are blessed and distributed, and a procession takes place, representing Christ’s entrance into the Temple.

• This feast also recalls Mary’s humility and obedience, offering two doves—the offering of the poor.
• Many Catholics take this day to renew their devotion to Mary, meditating on her role in God’s plan.

• Some cultures observe special blessings for firstborn children, honoring the biblical tradition.

• Families light blessed candles during meals or prayer as a sign of Christ’s presence in their homes.
• In some European traditions, it is customary to remove Christmas decorations on this day.

• Attend Mass and receive blessed candles.
• Pray the Canticle of Simeon (Luke 2:29-32), also known as the Nunc Dimittis.
• Reflect on Christ as the Light of the World and ask how you can carry His light to others.
• Honor Mary’s obedience and faith, asking for her intercession.
• Use blessed candles at home during prayer or on special occasions.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a beautiful celebration of Jesus as the Light of the World and Mary’s obedience to God’s plan. It reminds us that Christ came to fulfill the Law and bring salvation to all people. As we celebrate Candlemas, we are called to carry His light into the darkness, just as Simeon and Anna bore witness to the Messiah.