February 2nd, 2025 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord:

Mass Readings for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Today's First Reading from the prophet Malachi 3:1-4 gives us an important insight to understand profoundly the mystery of the Lord’s Presentation in the Temple by Mary and Joseph, in accordance with the canons of Mosaic Law. The text, taken from the Prophet Malachi says, "I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord who you seek" (Mal 3:1). From all the Gospels, we know that it is the Precursor, St. John the Baptist who was born 6 months before Jesus, that God sent to prepare His way. Putting these evangelical facts together, we can comprehend the words of the Prophet Malachi. The Lord God promised that He would send a Precursor to prepare His way. Since there is only 6 months between the birth of St John the Baptist and Jesus it is clear that the prophecy meant that suddenly after the Precursor, the Lord Himself will come. So, soon after the Baptist’s birth, God entered His temple. Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance to His temple. God made man entered His temple, presenting Himself to those who were really searching for Him. Today’s Gospel from Luke 2:22-40 introduces us to different people and events that in themselves provide numerous lessons and themes for further reflection. First of all, Mary and Joseph respect the Mosaic Law by offering the sacrifice prescribed for the poor: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. —Excerpted from The Sunday Readings by Fr. Kevin O'Sullivan, O.F.M.