Deacon's Corner: What is the Presentation of the Lord and why is it important?
February 2, 2025, 12:00 PM
The feast of the Presentation of the Lord commemorates the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, 40 days after His Birth. The feast is also known as Candlemas because of the custom of using lit candles during processions and liturgies. In Luke’s Gospel, Simeon and Anna welcome Jesus in the Temple. They embody Israel in their patient expectation and they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast called it the feast of Saint Simeon because he burst into a song of joy, the Canticle of Simeon, which the Church still includes in Night Prayer. This feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple and includes Mary’s purification. Under the Mosaic Law, a woman was ritually “unclean” for 40 days after childbirth, when she would then present herself to the priests and offer sacrifice for her “purification.” Since the birth of Jesus is December 25, the Church celebrates this feast on February 2, 40 days after Christmas. What happens during the Presentation of the Lord? Mary and Joseph present Jesus to God in the Temple. Mary is purified in accordance with Mosaic Law. The Holy Family meets Simeon and Anna, faithful keepers of God's law. Why is the Presentation of the Lord important? It's our act of thanksgiving for the gift of our Savior. It's a symbol of the Messiah's love. It's a reminder that Jesus submitted himself to God and the Law of Moses. How do people celebrate the Presentation of the Lord? Some Parishes hold a Divine Liturgy with lit candles. Some Churches and families have Candlemas processions. Some folks read Luke 2:22-35, which includes the Canticle of Simeon. Now you know!