Reflection for the Feast of the Presentation, 2025

Feast of the Presentation

 of the Child Jesus in the Temple

Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

Mary and Joseph brought the Son of God up to His Father’s house. Still a tiny baby–only forty days old! Yet, it was exactly the right time. They were drawn by God’s will for them, the law of Moses. How they must have protected their little Child on that overnight trip.

Simeon, a man who longed for the Lord, was at the temple when they arrived. The devout Simeon was actually told by God that this baby was the Christ. How did he deserve this special personal announcement? He had been faithfully praying and waiting for the promised Redeemer. At last the Holy Spirit showed him, in this tiny infant! How focused he must have been on their promised Redeemer – the most important thing for the whole Jewish people.

One holy, older woman was there, too – a prophetess named Anna. The Holy Spirit inspired Anna to recognize Baby Jesus and proclaim Him to others. She had prepared herself by prayer and fasting. St. Luke says that she never left the temple, worshipping night and day.

This begs the question, how can we worship Him night and day? Our souls are temples of the Holy Spirit. In the middle of any activity, like driving, waiting at a doctor’s office or eating supper with family, we are His temple, where He delights to dwell. Do we welcome Him into the midst of our days…and our nights? He is there, within our hearts, all the time, looking for our love.

The Divine Lover of souls also makes unexpected appearances. “…suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek (Malachi 3).” Our two holy elders were surprised, but they were not unprepared. They had listened to God’s Word.

Our heart’s desire will also be answered. So let us prepare.

“There will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.”

Malachi Ch. 3