Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This morning, February 2nd, we celebrated the Feast of our Lord’s Presentation in the Temple, according to our Holy Archdiocese, when the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary’s forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8).
On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord’s Christ.
Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: “Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . .” And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.
Tomorrow, we honor the righteous Elder Symeon and Prophetess Anna, who prophesied concerning Him by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and were the first in Jerusalem to receive Him as the Messiah.
This event; our Lord’s Entrance into the Temple, for His “40-Day Blessing” (not unlike the similar blessing for our own children), goes largely unnoticed in the greater scheme of the things Christ experienced. However, for the Orthodox, this event in His infant life is regarded as one of His greatest revelations of humility, tenderness and obedience to the Law. Though He created the Law, Christ still feels compelled, for our sake, to abide by the Law.
On a deeply, personal note, there is a very tiny chapel dedicated to our Lord’s Presentation in Thessaloniki. Many years ago, I spent an entire day of prayer and meditation in that little church. The Lord answered my prayers on that day and the Feast of the Presentation will always be very special in my heart and soul. I pray that the Lord enters our hearts and nourishes our souls as he penetrated the steps of the Temple in order to fulfill the divine plan of His Father. These days are special indeed. Let us honor Him through His holy Feasts.
With Love in Christ,
Fr. Anthony
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