Homily: February 2 - Feast of the Presentation - Feast of the Encounter

Forty days have passed since Christmas.  According to Jewish custom, Jesus was brought to the Temple by Mary and Jesus

According to Mosaic law, a woman was considered ritually unclean for 40 days after giving birth.  At that point, she was expected to present herself to the priests of the Temple and offer sacrifice to mark her purification.

Today’s celebration is as much a celebration of Jesus’ first appearance in the temple, as it is that of Mary’s purification.

Sometimes today’s feast is even called the “Feast of the Encounter” referring to the encounter Simeon and Anna had with Jesus.  Because of their faithful observance of God’s law, by fasting and prayer and hope in God’s promises, Simeon and Anna were able to encounter Jesus at a deep level of faith, as the long awaited Messiah.

In the 8^th century Pope Sergius began the tradition of a candle-lit procession on this day; which led to the custom of blessing candles on this day for the entire church year. 

Saint Pope John Paul II designated February as the World Day for Consecrated Life; as Jesus was presented to the Lord he was consecrated for His mission of the salvation of mankind.  Many consecrated religious with their communities will renew their religious vows on this day.

Today might be a good day, especially since many in this part of Ohio are snowed in today, for a quiet day of reflection and gratitude.  To think about and thank God for the people that have helped us encounter Jesus at a deeper level.  Our parents and grandparents who passed on the faith to us, the catechists, the priests.  Particularly, today, on this World Day for Consecrated Life during this Year for Consecrated Life, we do well to pray for the consecrated religious who have touched and blessed our lives, teaching us, guiding us, helping us to encounter Jesus more deeply.  Pray for their souls, and pray that young men and women may continue to answer God’s call to religious life, that they may be a blessing in the Church to help others encounter Jesus.

Through prayer we do well to present ourselves to God for his plan, his purpose.  We may ask Him today to give us a deeper knowledge of how we may use our gifts and talents to serve Him.  Perhaps he is calling us to begin a new chapter, a new mode of service.