When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,” and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the
temple. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted – and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her
husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the
child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Gospel Trivia:
Today is the feast of the Holy Family, yet the focus of the gospel is Jesus and the temple. This points to the intended message of Luke for this passage, and the following "trivia" will help us identify the evangelist's intention:
- The gospel refers to the rite of purification per Jewish custom which is required from women after forty days from childbirth. (Certain body fluids, like blood, were regarded as unclean and required purification after, say, menstruation). This required a visit to the temple and an offering of two turtledoves or pigeons. (Actually, a lamb and a pigeon were required, but if one cannot afford a lamb, then another pigeon would suffice).
- In the rite of purification, only the woman is required to visit the temple and to offer the sacrifice, and yet both Jesus and Joseph were present. This may appear as simply the husband and child accompanying the mother, but is unusual because of the following.
- There is a second ritual mentioned in the gospel -- that of the presentation of the baby Jesus to the Lord. This is also another Jewish custom symbolizing that the Lord had the right to the first fruits of any form of life, animal or human. However, this does NOT require a visit to the temple.
It seems that Luke may have confused Jewish laws or customs. Or he may have intentionally fused the two for a purpose.
The clue is the Hebrew word used for "presentation" (or paristani) which is used in the Old Testament to refer to priests. Luke therefore intentionally fused the two to emphasize the priestly character of Jesus. The priest is the one who stands before the sanctuary and ministers to the people. In this case, Jesus, who is God and holy, is also human and stands in between God and humanity.
Paristani also denotes the presentation of an offering or sacrifice. In this particular passage, Luke also wishes to convey that Jesus is both the high priest as well as living sacrifice.
Just like Jesus, we too are called to be "priest" and "sacrifice." As "priest", we consecrate ourselves to God; we do this living a life worthy to be a living sacrifice to our Lord.
Reference:
- Nil Guillemette, SJ, A Kingdom for All (Makati: St. Paul's Publications), pp. 280-283.
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