This week we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.
In ancient Israel, the Temple was the most important place in the world. It was the dwelling place of the Lord; it was where divinity and humanity were embraced. But the nation of Israel had gone away from the proper worship of God.
Christ, presented by Mary and Joseph in the Temple, is the divine and human in one and thus brings humanity back in line with God. In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. Simeon and Anna embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah!
"Now, Master, you let your servant go in peace.
You have fulfilled your promise.
My own eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all peoples.
A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness;
the glory of your people Israel."
Luke 2:25-28