The Presentation

This past Sunday (2 February) was the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple.  Forty days have passed since the celebration of Jesus' birth.  Mary and Joseph now bring their infant son to be dedicated in the Jerusalem Temple.

Jesus' dedication was in keeping with Jewish Law (see Leviticus 12:1-4) .  So here Mary and Joseph show themselves to be obedient, Law-keeping Jews.  We also learn of their social status, or lack thereof.  They offer two turtledoves or two pigeons (see Luke 2:24 and compare Leviticus 12:8).

As God's Son, Jesus did not need to be dedicated or set apart.  Jesus, by divine nature, was already set part as holy.  Jesus was also fully human.  So He undergoes the human rituals of the people He was born into (circumcision, dedication, and Baptism) as a way of fully identifying with our human nature.

(Although, on a note, Baptism was understood differently in Ancient Near East Judaism.)

Simeon and Anna are witness to Jesus' presentation.  This is the moment they have been preparing for their whole lives.  Luke tells us that both Simeon and Anna have remained alert and watchful.  They have constantly been in the Temple, alert and ready for God's presence in their midst.

God's Holy Spirit enables both Anna and Simeon to recognize God with Us in a forty-day old baby.  Simeon breaks out in a beautiful song that praises God for God's faithfulness.  The prophet gives thanks that he has lived to see God incarnate.  

Anna is not given any words by Luke.  That is very unfortunate.  But we are told that she losses no opportunity to point Jesus out.  She is there pointing to the baby and telling everyone who will listen just Who this special baby is.

The examples of Anna and Simeon inspire me.  They make me wonder, "How do I point to God in my daily life?"  Do my words and actions give praise and glory to God?  Am I being a faithful witness, proclaiming the presence of God in our midst?



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Happy New Year!!

 Well, almost . . .  Soon, those of us who follow a lectionary, will enter Year C.  The lectionary is a three-year cycle of Scripture readings appointed for use during the Sunday services.  Many churches (the Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and United Methodist to name few) use The Revised Common Lectionary.  A lectionary helps much of the Bible to be read (and heard) and prevents a random selection of favorite passages by preachers. Each of the three years in the lectionary is focused on one of the Gospels.  Year A of the lectionary features Matthew.  Year B (which we are just finishing) showcases Mark, with some John as well.  Year C centers on Luke's account of Jesus' life and ministry.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke are the backbone of the lectionary because they share many of the same stories about Jesus' teachings and healings.  They are called the "synoptic" gospels for that reason. It may seem rather odd to begin a new...
Read more

"A Man of No Name" ** sermon for Proper 25 Year B**

             Do you know what your name means?   Dawn, of course, means “break of day.”   Matthew means “gift of God.”   Linda means “beautiful” or “pretty.”   William means “resolute protector; will, desire; helmet, protection.”   I hated my name growing up.   I was the only Dawn in a sea of Jennifers and Michelles. You may recall in the Biblical world that names mean things.   Names are given to emphasize character traits or to recall circumstances surrounding the birth.   Esau is born hairy, hence his name.   Names also change in response to an encounter with God.   Jacob becomes Israel.   Simon is called Peter. Perhaps you also remember that to name something is to have power over the named.   Like when Adam names the creatures in Genesis 2.   The naming process gives Adam control over God’s creatures.   When I worked at Burger King college, I hated that people called me by m...
Read more

"E Pluribus Unum" ** a sermon for 25 Pentecost**

  I have here a quarter.  Obviously, this is a fake quarter.  That makes it easier to see.  What does it say on the back of the quarter?  Anyone remember?  E pluribus unum.  One out of many.  That’s America’s motto.  Unity, however, does not equal uniformity.  Nor is unity about glossing over differences. Unity is about going beyond what divides us.  Unity is about being able to find the common ground and focusing on those things we all share.  For example, we all want some of the same things.  We want safe communities in which to raise families.  All of us want adequate access to food, shelter, and health care. Some of us may be rejoicing.  The election has “gone their way.”  Others are in mourning.  The election left them in despair.  That makes this a very tender time for our nation and our communities.  Emotions are running high this past week, on both sides.  I want you to know that ...
Read more