Short Reflection:

The Presentation of the Lord in the Temple

The gospel of Luke 2:22-40 details the biblical account of Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple to fulfill religious requirements. Following these spiritual encounters, with a righteous man named Simeon and an elderly prophetess named Anna, the family returns to Nazareth, where the child matures in strength and divine grace. This liturgical reading for the Feast of the Presentation, emphasises the transition from ancient law to a new era of revelation. These specific witnesses in the passage underscore the sacred significance of Christ’s early life and his identity as a light to all nations.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – A Light for All Peoples

Date: Monday 2 February 2026

Liturgical: The Presentation of the Lord, Feast

Gospel Luke 2:22-40

‘The child grew, filled with wisdom.’

When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus 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 turtle-doves, or two young pigeons’.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the Temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

‘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.’

And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed — and a sword will pierce through your own soul also — so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.’

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the Temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. 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.

And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favour of God was upon him.

Key Points:

1. Jesus is presented as an offering

Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Father.

2. God keeps His promises

Simeon waited for years, guided by hope. The Spirit brings him to Jesus at the perfect moment.

3. Jesus is the Light for all nations

Simeon calls Jesus “a light” for everyone.

4. The Cross is already foretold

Simeon’s words to Mary reveal suffering, rejection, and a heart-piercing love.

5. Faithful prayer recognises Jesus

Anna’s life of prayer makes her ready to see and proclaim the Messiah. Prayer opens our eyes to God’s presence.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

teach us to offer ourselves to the Father—

our time, our work, our families, and our future.

Give us patient faith like Simeon,

and persevering prayer like Anna.

When Your path includes difficulty,

strengthen us to remain faithful.

Amen.

Tags: Presentation of the Lord, Feast, Simeon, Anna, Light of the Nations, Candlemas, Holy Family, Temple, Jerusalem, Prayer, Discipleship.