We celebrate the presentation of Jesus in the Temple this weekend. According to Mosaic law, a woman was not permitted to go into public spaces and had to avoid all things sacred for a period of forty days after giving birth to a male child. At the end of the forty days, the woman was required to present herself at the Temple to be purified, and if the child was her firstborn, the child was brought to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord.
When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus, Simeon and Anna recognized him as the Savior of the world. Holding Jesus, Simeon prayed, “Now Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people, Israel”, a portion of which is prayed every evening by the Church during night prayer.
What we celebrate this weekend is how the Holy Family lived ordinary lives, like other families. After leaving the Temple, Luke tells us that they returned to Galilee where Jesus continued to grow and mature. The Holy Family had neighbors, friends, and family. They worked, prayed, and Jesus played like every other child. It is there, under the guidance of Mary and Joseph that Jesus matured before beginning his public ministry.
What we learn from this feast is that to be holy one does not have to be extraordinary. Being holy involves living in the ordinary world, being part of society, navigating the challenges we encounter, and finding the strength to overcome temptation, to raise above our shortcomings, and to nurture our relationship with the Almighty.
This feast falls within the darkest time of the year. After the winter solstice around Christmas, our days are now getting longer and lighter. It is the same with our faith, when we, like Simeon and Anna, recognize Jesus as the Savior of the world, our faith grows brighter, and the Light of the World guides us forward.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forever more.