Presentation of the Lord
Malachi 3: 1-4 Hebrews 2: 14-18 Luke 2: 22-40
Theme: Present yourself
Today our celebration is threefold, for me as a Spiritan. We celebrate the presentation of the Lord in the Temple, the day of the consecrated, and for me as a Spiritan, one of our founders day (Fr. Mary Paul Libermann). As we celebrate the feast of the presentation of the Lord in the Temple, it presents us an opportunity for us to present ourselves again to the Lord. With the intention of making things right in our lives and building a better relationship with the Lord that will make us true ambassadors for Christ. Just like Jesus, many of us were presented to God as kids, in thanksgiving for what God has done for our parents. It was a ceremony that happened with the faith of our parents at that time, just like in the case of Jesus. But today as we celebrate this great feast, it gives us the opportunity to present ourselves to the Lord by ourselves, no longer by our parents.
This time with a firm resolve to live a life that is good and pleasing to God, out of our own personal conviction and not that of our parents. Now is the time for us to be intentional about our desire to live a life that is worthy of the name Christian. Let us all rededicate ourselves to the Lord today, with the firm resolve to live our lives according to the imperative of the gospel. The story of Simeon and Anna in the Temple simply points out the need for us to develop a wonderful relationship with the Lord in our daily lives. Have you asked yourself, how were they able to identify Jesus, and they were also present in the Temple at that time when the parents of Jesus brought him for presentation. This can only be possible when there is a connection between you and the Divine.
Today is also an opportunity for us to pray for consecrated men and women all over the world, that the good Lord will continue to strengthen and direct them in their vocation. As you pray for us, also pray for the gift of vocation to the consecrated life. The church needs consecrated men and women, to partake in the mission of Christ in the world. You can be a worthy instrument in the hand of God, never think you are not good enough. Your right disposition and willingness to partner with Christ matters a lot, and what is left is in the hands of God. Remember, none of us is qualified for this great ministry, but when he calls you, he qualifies you.
Lastly, let us remember the Holy Ghost congregation in our prayers today, in a very special way, and also that our founders will be made saints soonest. May almighty God bless you, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.