What may look to an outsider like an insignificant event, the visit of a poor family to the Temple, bringing their newborn baby for a religious ceremony, is rather a most important moment in the history of salvation. For this reason, we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple as a joyful Feast in the Church. Outwardly, the Holy Family of Nazareth is complying with what the Law prescribes: the purification of the mother, the offering of the firstborn son to God, and “the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” But there is more here than a cursory compliance with the Law; Jesus has already begun the work of our redemption.
We read in today’s Responsorial Psalm: “Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!” The infant Jesus in the arms of his mother Mary is the King of glory. He is the Lord! He comes to fulfill the prophecy of Malachi which we read in today’s first reading. Malachi, whose book brings the Old Testament to a conclusion, speaks of the long-awaited Day of the Lord, foretold by several earlier prophets. He announces two comings: first comes the messenger who is tasked with preparing the people to meet their Lord. Then, the Lord himself: “Suddenly there will come to the Temple the LORD whom you seek.” The messenger is usually identified as John the Baptist, while the Lord whose way he prepared is Jesus Christ.
What does the Lord do when he comes to the Temple for the first time? He comes to “refine and purify.” He inaugurates the decisive cleansing of the Temple and the purification of the priesthood. “He will purify the sons of Levi, / Refining them like gold or like silver / that they may offer due sacrifice to the LORD.” Jesus comes as the new “due sacrifice” which is acceptable to the Lord, the sacrifice through which humanity will have access to all God’s blessings. He comes as the true High Priest, offering the sacrifice of his life on the altar of the Cross for the redemption of all mankind. His own body becomes the new temple, the place of real encounter with the living God.
Today’s reading from the Letter to the Hebrews underscores and sheds light on the redemptive meaning of the Lord’s coming into his Temple. His compliance with the Law means that he has come to identify with our human condition in all things but sin in order to save us. Hence we read: “Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.” The salvation that is brought about by Jesus was foreshadowed by his presentation in the Temple and accomplished fully by his sacrifice on the Cross. At his death, the old and imperfect sacrifices of the Temple were replaced.
Jesus’ ultimate purpose in coming to the Temple is the same as his purpose for coming into the world. He has come to meet his people and bring us salvation. The Holy Spirit revealed this to the devout man Simeon and led him to the Temple to meet the Lord. Simeon praised God, exclaiming: “my eyes have seen your salvation, / which you have prepared in sight of all the peoples.” Like the elderly prophetess Anna, Simeon was among the faithful remnant in Israel who longed for salvation. They received it in advance from the infant Jesus who met them in the Temple. This is why they were moved to praise God and were so filled with joy.
Simeon could also see that not all who claimed to await the Savior would welcome the poor child he held in his arms. He prophesied to his mother Mary, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted – and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
In every Eucharistic sacrifice, the Lord comes to the Temple. He comes so that we can encounter him anew. He comes to meet us his people and to bring to us his salvation. The sacrifice of our redemption, which he inaugurated symbolically through his presentation in the Temple, and which he brought to completion on the altar of the Cross, is re-presented for us today in the Eucharist. We rejoice that our eyes too may see him, the King of glory, the light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of his people Israel.
What significance does the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple hold for me personally? How can I deepen my understanding and appreciation of this event? How is the Lord asking me to prepare myself to embrace both the joys and challenges of following him?
Excerpt from The Anawim Way, Volume 21, no. 2. More information about The Anawim Way may be found here.