Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 1

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 2

When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

Luke 2:22

The Lord said to Moses, "Consecrate to me all the first-born.” -Exodus 13:2

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 3

The sacred humanity of Christ belonged to the eternal Father.

The eternal Father had decreed that his Son should be presented to Him in the temple in mysterious compliance with the law.

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 4

It is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”, and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

Luke 2:23,24

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 5

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.

Luke 2:25

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 6

It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:26

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 7

Moved by the Spirit, Simeon went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 8

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Luke 2:27-32

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 9

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.

Luke 2:33

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 10

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “Behold this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and a sign which shall be contradicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed.”

Luke 2:34, 35

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 11

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Luke 2:36, 37

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 12

Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Luke 2:38

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 13

Priests who were waiting for the Messiah were not able to identify Infant Jesus. Truth was revealed to a simple believer Simeon.

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 14

“Prompted by the Holy Spirit” says the Gospel about Simeon!Simeon waited all his long life before “seeing the Light”.He never doubted; but persevered that God’s Promise will be fulfilled.

Simeon received the smile of God as a reward of his honest and pious life.

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 15

Mary’s smile fades into paleness when Simeon mentions sorrow. Anna of Phanuel, the prophetess consoles Mary, “Woman, He Who gave a Saviour to His people, will not lack power to send His angel to console your tears.”

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 16

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Luke 2:39

Marian Gospel Research Center

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 17

*Divine Word has now united Itself with human nature and become the eternal High Priest.

•Listen to the words and instructions of the priests, as God requires, whose place they take.

*Consider the power & authority given them: “Who hears you, hears Me; who obeys you obeys Me.” Luke 10:16

Marian Gospel Research Center

From Simeon

• Have a life devoted, as far as possible, entirely to God: in faith, obedience, purity, charity, generosity and in prayer. • Prayer is communion of the spirit with God, from which you emerge with fresh strength and a decision to belong more and more to God.

From Anna

•Lay your worries at the feet of God.• Do not be afraid. Be united to the Cross.

PRESENTATION OF THE INFANT JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

22 Sep 2011 18

THE LESSONS