February 2, 2023 Reflection – The Presentation of the Lord!

The Presentation!

February 2, 2023
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord!

Dear Family of Mary!

Today is the wonderful feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Little Jesus is presented to His Father in the temple by Mary and Joseph, as the law prescribed. And again the Holy Spirit exploded, giving both Simeon and Anna prophecies about the Messiah, Jesus, newborn!! As in the Visitation, so in the Presentation, the Holy Spirit cannot be held back! He just explodes with power, revealing the presence of the Lord!! Let us read the Gospel for today with great reverence and joy:

Luke 2:22-40
And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.”

And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him;

and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.”

And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phan’u-el, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. (Luke 2:22-40)

Our Lady has spoken to us about the sword that pierced her heart, the sword that Simeon saw. She tells us how she was able to bear this sword. Her words are powerful.

March 18, 2018

“Dear children!

My earthly life was simple. I loved and I rejoiced in small things. I loved life – the gift from God – even though pain and sufferings pierced my heart.

My children, I had the strength of faith and boundless trust in God’s love. All those who have the strength of faith are stronger. Faith makes you live according to what is good and then the light of God’s love always comes at the desired moment. That is the strength which sustains in pain and suffering.

My children, pray for the strength of faith, trust in the Heavenly Father, and do not be afraid.

Know that not a single creature who belongs to God will be lost but will live forever.

Every pain has its end and then life in freedom begins there where all of my children come – where everything is returned.

My children, your battle is difficult. It will be even more difficult, but you follow my example. 

Pray for the strength of faith; trust in the love of the Heavenly Father. I am with you. I am manifesting myself to you. I am encouraging you. With immeasurable motherly love I am caressing your souls. Thank you.”

With these beautiful words, let us remain in prayer today, as we give thanks for the Presentation in the Temple!

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
(c) Mary TV 2023