This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord from Luke 2. Read vss 22-40. This is celebrated always on February 2, 40 days after the nativity. It is the midway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It’s a point in time of revelation to the world of God’s plan being worked out in history. The Bible is full of liturgical expression that marks God’s revelation. Most of us measure events by time such as months, days, years as in birthdays, etc. Not the church. We measure by distinctive points in time of revelation like His death, resurrection, Pentecost, the Presentation at the Temple, etc.

In Luke, Jesus is presented as a baby in the Temple, the holy place of Jewish worship where humanity and divinity meet. 600 years before, the glory of the Lord had left the Temple (Ezekiel 10). Now, the glory of the Lord is returning as Jesus, carried by Mary and Joseph, enters the Temple. Please notice 3 significant points in this incredible passage that allow us to go beneath what is happening and beyond to us and the world:

The role of the Holy Spirit. He revealed to the old man Simeon, which means  "to hear God", that he would not die until he saw the messiah. Day after day, year after year he waited, like Israel, longing for Him. Now, in a baby, the Holy Spirit tells him this is the One. Waiting for the consolation of Israel, this messiah would reveal the thoughts of many as a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel to show our inner thoughts. Whatever fears and secrets you have can come to light not just to  disclose, but to heal.

Read the words of the famous “Nunc Dimittis” “ Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word: for my eyes have seen your salvation…a  light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” We will hear this chanted Sunday. We teach and learn to hear God like Simeon.

Secondly, notice that Mary and Joseph marvel at his words. Even though they had just experienced a birth from a virgin, they wonder at Simeon’s words. But, as if an ominous note is played, he prophetically tells Mary that a sword will pierce her heart. She will witness the excruciating death of her Son. Suffering awaits her, us, take up your cross and follow me.

Thirdly, there is an old prophetess, Anna, who likewise waited for decades, yearning and longing to see the messiah. Waiting for the redemption of the world, she give thanks. The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving. It is what we do at every Holy Eucharist. Notice, a woman reveals Jesus will be the redemption of Israel and it is women, who at the end of the gospel are the first to the tomb to first witness the resurrected Lord.

This passage is pregnant with allusions and anticipations. Beneath the surface of this event we will see how the glory of the Lord, that had left the temple because of our rebellion, now returns to fulfill the longing of old Israel and of the world. But, as Christopher Watkin noted, scripture goes beyond to show our need to receive, surrender, and be filled with His Spirit. We are Simeon, hear God, we are Anna, the favored one.

Come and See.

+Philip