February 2, 2014: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2:22-32)

I am always inspired by the presentation scene of Simba in the movie The Lion King. Simba’s parents, Mufasa and Sarabi, and the whole animal kingdom were so proud. Mary and Joseph must have felt a similar pride and gratitude when they presented Jesus to God in the Temple.

(This video clip is from the Disney film The Lion King: Presentation of Simba – Simba is presented to the cheering and grateful animal kingdom, as his proud parents look on…just as you thank God for that special person in your life.)

Action:

This week think of a special person in your life. Your special person could be a friend, parent, grandparent, teacher, someone you have read about, or so on. Present your special person to God, thanking God for this wonderful gift in your life.