February 02, 2025

Lectionary Readings: Mal 3:1-4; Ps 24:7-10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40

Theme: Joy and Wisdom come through patient waiting!

Joy and wisdom come through patient waiting. 

The presentation of Jesus in the Temple is one of the few stories in the canonical gospels that have to do with Jesus’ childhood. Along with the very brief reference to the circumcision and naming of Jesus (Lk 2:21), this rather elaborate narration of the presentation in the Temple opens a rare window into the early years of Jesus.

The scarcity of information about Jesus’ childhood reminds us that the gospels are not biographies. They are kerygmatic narratives seeking to proclaim the gospel in order to undergird and strengthen the faith of the community. The little information that these narratives give about Jesus’ childhood is not intended to explain the development of his character or personality. Rather, it is clear that these childhood stories seek to make important theological points: Jesus was born a Jew among Jews. The presentation of Jesus in the Temple is motivated by specific requirements of the law of Moses according to Leviticus 12:2-4. After a woman gives birth to a boy, she is impure for forty days. At the end of that period, she is to bring an offering to the Temple, which the priest offers as a sacrifice, effecting her purification. The parents of Jesus observed all that the law required.

In addition, Exodus 13:2, 12-15 state that every first-born male which “opens the womb” whether human or animal “belongs” to the LORD. While clean animals would be sacrificed (Lev 27:27), first-born sons needed to be redeemed (Ex 13:12-15). The Lucan tradition has apparently taken this old idea of the first-born son being dedicated to G-d’s service and made it fruitful for this narrative.

Thus, when Joseph and Mary present Jesus to the Lord in Jerusalem, they are in effect dedicating his life to G-d. Jesus will be “holy to the LORD” (Lk 2:23), recalling the other narration where the angel Gabriel tells Mary that her son will be “holy” and will be called “Son of G-d” setting the stage for Jesus’ life dedicated fully to G-d. Yet the suffering is hinted at where Jesus will be the cause of many rising and falling in Israel (Lk 2:34).

Doubt is part of the human condition. Celebrate and embrace your doubts as a means of spiritual growth.

During the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Simeon and Anna appear as devout Jews who are awaiting the fulfillment of G-d’s promises of consolation and redemption of Israel. These sections of the Lucan narrative are drenched with the language of Deutero-Isaiah (cf. Is 40:1; 42:6, 49:6, 13: 52:9, 10). Simeon and Anna thus become paradigms of waiting and spokespersons for the salvation and redemption that is to come through Jesus.   

Wisdom generally comes with age and in the most unlikely fashion. To grow wise means to learn to seek wisdom in unusual ways. That’s the key lesson about Simeon and Anna waiting in the Temple to set eyes on Jesus for the first time. Joy and wisdom come through patient waiting. Simeon and Anna had waited a long time. Like joy, wisdom is a truly biblical virtue. Simeon and Anna had waited so long they were rewarded for their patience. The Letter to the Hebrews implies that by pushing the barriers of doubt, then the reward and experience of faith is worth the wait.

For Reflection and Discussion: 1. Joy and wisdom come through patient waiting. Reflect. 2. Doubt is part of the human condition. Celebrate and embrace your doubts as a means of spiritual growth.

Bibliography: McKenzie, J.L. Dictionary of the Bible (New York: 1965), Stephen Hultgren on internet, Mimeographed notes.

This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Roy da Silva, MTh [Biblical Theology], India. Bat Kol alumnus, 2002 – 2006, 2015

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