Epiphany 4C: The Presentation of our Lord
Karen A. Calafat
February 2, 2025
Please bear with my long introductory comments today, but looking at the religious setting of today’s gospel will give us a greater understanding of what is going on. I promise to bring it full circle to how it might apply to our lives now over 2000 years later.
In today’s gospel reading from Luke, Jesus is about 6 weeks old. The explanation of purification ritual is found in chapter 12 of Leviticus. A mother was considered unclean for 7 days after the birth of a child. Then for an additional number of days – specifically, 66 if the baby was a girl, and 33 days is the baby was a boy – thus, 7 days + 33 days = 40 days, which is how we know Jesus was 40-41 days old.
The new mother was considered to be in a liminal space, an in-between space, after giving birth then the sacred ritual or purification re-integrates her into society. This ritual included bringing offerings to the temple and presenting them at the door to the priest who would then burn them as an offering to God to make atonement on the mother’s behalf.
The requirement for offerings was different depending on a family’s financial status. Since Mary and Joseph were to provide a pair of turtle doves or two pigeons tells us that they were not wealthy people, for that was the offering designated for the poor, for those who were not able to present the more expensive offering of a lamb. What we also glean from this story is that Mary and Joseph were religiously devout Jews and faithful members of the temple community. As such, they participated in the rituals prescribed by their faith.
Following the purification rites, the parents then present the baby in the temple. I imagine the excitement of Mary and Joseph was much like the excitement of most new parents, wanting the world to see their amazingly beautiful baby and wanting that child to receive every blessing possible for health, safety, and fullness of life. (In writing this, I was reminded of feelings I had when my firstborn arrived some 29 years ago now. I had thought, “As soon as this baby is born, I can just relax, knowing that it is okay. Ha! Little did I know I would spend the rest of my life seeking God’s blessing, protection, and guidance for his life – and then two years later adding my daughter to that same list!)
Joseph and Mary enter the temple on the designated day to present their baby boy for blessing. And what happens is notable. Keeping in mind that the temple grounds were some 35 acres of buildings and open courts – there is a bit of divine intervention here to choreograph this meeting among Jesus’ parents and Simeon and Anna. (I had a divinely choreographed experience Friday that I will share at our Parish Meeting during Coffee Hour.)
Simeon was an old man, but the Spirit had revealed to him that he would live long enough to see the Messiah. Our text says, “Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, took Jesus in his arms and praised God for what he was seeing. Simeon knew that in seeing this baby, that Jesus was the Messiah. He knew then that he could die in peace with the assurance that his beloved Israel would someday be restored.
It is worth noting in the continuing season of Epiphany where we learn more about who Jesus is, that Simeon says of him, he “is a light for revelation to the Gentiles.” What this tells us is that the Messiah is for all people – that God’s work of fulfillment is for the whole world, not just for Israel, but for all people.
Simeon moves from praise and awe to words of caution for Mary. I cannot imagine her concern with his words of warning that conflict will break out as Israel will differ in its response to Jesus – and we know rest of that story.
Then enters the scene, the prophetess Anna. Anna is the only female prophet mentioned in the New Testament. She spent all her time in the temple, praying and fasting. She was 84-years old when she met Jesus. And she like Simeon, immediately irecognized Jesus as the Messiah. She praised God and shared the Good News of God’s redeeming grace with anyone and everyone who would listen.
Divinely choreographed, Simeon and Anna happened to be at the same temple where Mary and Joseph showed up to present Jesus. In a 35-acre span of building upon building, they were in the right place at the right time.
So how does any of this apply to us today?
First, Faith Community. Joseph and Mary were part of a faith community. They observed the rituals and practices of their community. Being part of a faith community can add meaning and purpose to our lives. It offers people to spend time with when life is good and when life is hard. We bring what is precious and important to us to share with the community of believers. And if something happens to the things or people that are precious and important, we are in a circle of support to help us through, to hold us up when we can’t stand on our own. I heard many of you attest to this Friday night at the beginning of our discernment process and it was a joy to hear!
Second, Ritual. Ritual is good for the soul. I know my morning cup of coffee in the quiet of my home is a ritual that sets the tone for my day. Some of you have exercise rituals that mark your days. Ritual can steady the ship in rough waters. Coming together on Sunday mornings is a ritual that helps us remember what is important and to whom we belong. There are church rituals that keep us rooted in faith – most of us have a favorite prayer, hymn, or scripture that sustain us. We have church services that ground us – some love The Great Vigil, some love Rite 1 liturgy with the prayer of humble access (which will be offered at 8:15 Sunday mornings through Lent), some love the Creation Series. If you don’t have a grounding ritual, this could be a good time to develop one. Perhaps you develop a mantra – a sacred word or phrase that you use when you are feeling anxious or unsettled. My epiphany star word for this year is “calm” and I have already had opportunities to practice! It is likely the perfect word in the current storms around us.
The third thing we might take from today’s gospel is Light. In keeping with our Epiphany theme, we ask, “What does the light reveal?” Here, light shows that Jesus is God’s revelation – revelation of God’s glory for all people; revelation of God’s presence for all people; revelation of God for all people. We do not get to determine who is in or out. It is ours to proclaim by word and deed God’s love for everyone.
Fourth, Age. Simeon and Anna had had many trips around the sun and yet, they still had purpose and meaning. They had things to do and truths to proclaim. Let that be an inspiration that we are never too old to be useful for God’s purposes. We are never too old to proclaim the Good News of God’s love for all.
It seems we are in a season where standing up for God’s love for all people is upon us. Let us be attentive to the moments. Let us not miss the choreographed encounters God brings into our lives, giving us a chance to shine the light of Christ. . .
. . . for those who most need to see it,
. . . for those who most need to hear it,
. . . for those who most need to know that they are God’s beloved.
And perhaps you are the one who needs to be reminded that you are God’s beloved, presenting yourself in this temple today.
God loves you. God loves you. God loves you.