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On February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This feast is also known as Candlemas. The Law of Moses instructed parents to present their firstborn son in the Temple forty days after birth. Mary and Joseph, filled with the joy of following God’s law, brought Jesus to Jerusalem.
The Gospel mentions two important individuals who recognized Jesus at that time: Simeon and Anna. Simeon was a just and devout old man who, moved by the Holy Spirit, took Jesus in his arms and blessed him, saying that he was the light that would shine upon the nations. There was also a woman named Anna, who served God by fasting and praying. Even though Simeon and Ana were very old, both were full of life because their lives were filled with the Holy Spirit. They were docile to the Spirit’s action and sensitive to its call.
During this encounter, Simeon and Anna received the gift of being face to face with God’s Promised One. Their patience and faith were finally rewarded.
Let us pray: Loving God, let us be docile and sensitive to your Word and help us grow in faith and patience while we wait for your coming. Amen.
Image credit: Adam Jan Figel/Shutterstock.com
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