February 2nd : Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time - The Presentation of the Lord

 

First Reading        :  Micah 6:1-8
Psalm                    :  Psalm 15
Second Reading  :  1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Gospel                  :  Matthew 5:1-12

Today, 40 days after the celebration of the birth of the Lord we gather to celebrate the Presentation of the Lord. We commemorate the ritual purification of Mary as prescribed in the Law of Moses after the birth of Jesus. We celebrate and remember the fact that 40 days after the birth of a Jewish boy, it was the custom to take him to the temple in Jerusalem to be presented to God by his thankful parents and so Mary the Mother of Jesus and Joseph the foster father of the Lord take him to the temple in accordance with the Law. This Feast reminds us that just as Mary consecrated Jesus to God we too have been consecrated at our Baptism and so we are called "Children of God". This feast celebrates the fact that God keeps His promises! Not only does God keep His promises to a chosen people through a purified lineage and a virgin mother but also to particular individuals like Simeon.