A LIGHT OF REVELATION – Presentation of the Lord Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Year C

February 2, 2025

Revised Common Lectionary
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40

Lectionary for Mass (RC)
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 24:7, 8, 9, 10 (8)
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-32 (33-40)

The following reflection is based on the Scripture readings for the Presentation of the Lord. If your community is observing the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, you may find a Word and Song reflection here.

Each year on February 2, many families in Mexico bring to church the figure of el Niño Dios (the baby Jesus) from their nacimiento (Nativity scene) at home. This cherished custom serves as a way of remembering the presentation of Jesus by Mary and Joseph at the Temple forty days after his birth. The figurine is often dressed in special, festive clothing, sometimes hand-crocheted (see photo). After Mass, the families return home with the figurine and mark the end of the Christmas season with traditional foods, including tamales, buñuelos, atole, and hot chocolate.

In the liturgies of Roman Catholic, Anglican, and other Western churches, this feast has been observed for centuries with a procession in which worshipers carry lighted candles into the church. Like the Mexican folk custom described above, this ritual action recalls the entry of Jesus into the Temple, where he was recognized by the aged Simeon as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (Lk 2:32).

Falling forty days after Christmas, today’s celebration continues the Christmas story with a reading from the Gospel of Luke. Mary and Joseph faithfully fulfill the prescriptions of the Law of Moses by presenting their firstborn son at the Temple and offering two young pigeons, the sacrifice required of those who cannot afford the more costly turtledoves (see Lk 2:24).

While most people at the Temple see just another poor family fulfilling their religious obligations, Simeon and Anna recognize the One for whom the world has been waiting. Rejoicing in the fulfillment of God’s ancient promises, Simeon proclaims that this child is the “salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples” (Lk 2:30).

This newborn child’s first visit to the Temple foreshadows the profound connection he will have with this sacred place throughout his life. Later, he will refer to it as his “Father’s house” (Lk 2:49) and return there during his ministry to challenge corrupt religious leaders. At the moment of his death, Luke recounts that “the curtain of the temple was torn in two” (Lk 23:45), symbolizing the opening of access to God for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

As we reflect on this story and perhaps participate in liturgical processions with lighted candles, we are invited once again into the joy of Christmas. The light that has come into the world is present among us as we gather for worship. Yet, like Mexican families bringing el Niño Dios back to their homes, we are called to carry the light of Christ beyond our places of worship. This light is meant to illumine the world, bringing good news to the poor, release to those who are bound, and God’s favor to those who dwell in darkness and fear.

A Hymn for the Day: “In his temple now behold him”

The first three stanzas of this hymn were written by Anglican priest John Henry Pye and published in 1852, with a fourth stanza, doxological in character, added by William Cooke one year later. The hymn has been more widely used in the United States than in England, especially by Lutherans and Roman Catholics. The tune REGENT SQUARE, with which it is sometimes paired, evokes the spirit of the Christmas season, which in some liturgical traditions concludes on this feast. Listen here to the singing of this hymn at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on February 2, 2014.

In his temple now behold him,
see the long-expected Lord;
ancient prophets had foretold him,
God has sent the promised Word.
Now to praise him, his redeeméd
shall break forth with one accord.

In the arms of her who bore him,
virgin pure, behold him lie,
while his aged saints adore him,
ere in perfect faith they die.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Lo, th’incarnate God Most High!

Jesus, by your presentation,
when they blessed you, weak and poor,
make us see your great salvation,
seal us with your promise sure;
and present us, in your glory,
to your Father, cleansed and pure.

Prince and author of salvation,
be your boundless love our theme!
Jesus, praise to you be given
by the world you did redeem,
with the Father and the Spirit
God of majesty supreme!

Text: Henry J. Pye (1825-1903) alt.; stanza 4 by William Cooke (1821-1894)
Tunes: KOMM, O KOMM, DU GEIST DES LEBENS (Bach); REGENT SQUARE; ST. THOMAS (Wade)

Image Credit: Presentation in the Temple, Father George Saget, Abbaye de Keur Moussa, Senegal

“Word and Song: A Lectionary Reflection” is written by the Executive Director of The Hymn Society, Rev. Dr. Mike McMahon. For his full bio, click here and scroll down to the “staff” section.

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