Today's Gospel in Art - Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

The Presentation in the Temple, by Elizabeth Wang 2010 © Code R-60102-CW, Elizabeth Wang / Radiant Light

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 2nd February 2021 - Luke 2:22-40

When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, - observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord - and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel's comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said:

'Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.'

As the child's father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected - and a sword will pierce your own soul too - so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.'

There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem.

When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God's favour was with him.

Reflection on the Watercolour on Paper

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Together with Simeon and Anna we contemplate the Christ Child, the Word made flesh, who is brought to the Temple. That temple is not just the physical building, but also the Temple of our hearts… that is where Christ is presented, and it is up to us to open our doors and let His radiant light in.

Today, forty days after the Lord's birth, we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World. This light is beautifully depicted by the yellow colour tonalities in our watercolour by Elizabeth Wang. We see the Holy Family from the back, about to walk up the steps, being greeted by Anna on the left and Simeon on the right. Simeon and Anna embody Israel in their patient expectation. They acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

Joseph and Mary are bringing Jesus to us too, hoping we will embrace and love their Son. It is not just a one-off opportunity. Jesus is there to be encountered every day of our lives; not just occasionally, but every day. To follow Jesus is not a decision taken once in a lifetime… it is a daily choice…

LINKS

Today's story - https://christian.art/en/daily-gospel-reading/689
Christian Art - www.christian.art/index.php