The Presentation of the Lord: A Feast Spanning the Stages of Life

by Theresa Cavicchio

“The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. With Simeon and Anna, all Israel awaits its encounter with the Savior … Jesus is recognized as the long-expected Messiah, the ‘light to the nations’ and the ‘glory of Israel,’ but also ‘a sign that is spoken against.’ The sword of sorrow predicted for Mary announces Christ’s perfect and unique oblation on the cross that will impart the salvation God had ‘prepared in the presence of all peoples’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 529).

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A light to reveal you to the nations

Most of us know that today, February 2nd, is the celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. But did you know that today is also the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is known as Candlemas? Read the rest…

The Presentation

Presentation

February 2

Presentation of the Lord

“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”

–Luke 2:34-35 Read the rest…