Homily for the Feast of the Presentation of the LORD

In our Gospel reading today, St. Luke tells us about a very joyful day in the city of Jerusalem. A young couple, along with their young son, meet two elderly people named Simeon and Anna. Simeon responded to meeting Jesus by praying aloud. Cradling the infant Jesus in his arms, he blessed God in a prayer that has made its way into Compline, the Church’s official Night Prayer.

Anna’s response was to tell everyone about Jesus, especially those people who were waiting in hope for a sign of God’s favor.

These two very devout Jewish people of very advanced age embody two fundamental qualities of being aware of the presence of God. Simeon lifted up his heart in prayer, and Anna spoke out about Jesus before others. Simeon’s meeting with the Holy Family led him toward God in prayer; Anna’s meeting with the Holy Family led her to share the Good News.

Each of them has something fundamental to teach us about how to welcome the LORD. We are to thank the LORD in prayer and to bear witness to the presence of God in our lives. Like Simeon, we thank God in prayer for the gift of His Son, the Light who enlightens us. Like Anna, we proclaim God’s gift to others, by what we say and do. The LORD who entered His temple as the Light of the World has entered our lives too. Simeon and Anna show us how to respond to His gracious coming.+