SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:22-24
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
REFLECTION by Doug Davy
Jesus’ parents present him at the Temple as their first-born 40 days after his birth. Mary with Jesus re-enters society after giving birth, which placed her in sacred time during her 40 days post-partum and requires an offering to God on her return. Their offering is a humble one; the pair of turtledoves that a poor family could afford. With his Presentation, Jesus is re-born from infancy into his childhood. The 40 days post-partum are the 40 days of preparation and mirror Jesus’ 40 days in the Wilderness and the 40 days of Lent. Are we ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth to the world and our own birth and rebirth in the Body of Christ?
PRAYER
God, purify our hearts and accept our lives as a thank offering to You. Amen.
BLESSING
May God make holy your lives, your works, and your faith. Amen.
