February 2, 2025: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Rena Turnham

The Venerable Rena Turnham

The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple,

Candlemas February 2, 2025

St. John the Baptist – Minneapolis

Luke 2:22-40

In the name of the One who makes all things new. Amen

 

“Holy Family with a Little Bird”:

Artist: Murillo, Bartolomé Esteban, Sevilla, 1617 – Sevilla, 1682, Ca. 1650. Oil on canvas.

Prado Museum, Madrid – Spain

This morning, I want to share with you my favorite painting of all time. I saw it about 15 years ago in Spain. I’ve been to Spain since then, and I always make a point to visit the Prado Museum to see it again.

I marvel at the simplicity of the scene. The playfulness of Jesus as a child…its tenderness –

Mary winds a skein of thread and pauses to watch Jesus play as he leans on his father Jospeh.

Certainly, it’s a representation from a particular worldview at a particular time in history…

Nonetheless I am draw into looking at the tiny hand of Jesus – as he tenderly holds a little bird as he eyes a little dog.

We don’t get many glimpses of the Holy Family – certainly not in a moment in time like this.

Notice Joseph’s carpenter bench – this little family at home, working while their child plays on the floor. Joseph in this scene is playing a central, hands-on role – he’s being a father.

And Jesus is happy, as a peace falls upon the family in this precious moment of adoration. There’s a connection made between the members of this family, and with us.

This scene abounds with compassion and love.

Some have noted the symbolism of Jesus holding a goldfinch. The goldfinch, known for eating thorns, symbolizes Christ’s Passion, specifically the Crown of Thorns.

We can be drawn into Christ’s passion and see a different view of what this sacrifice will mean, especially for Mary – as we hear in our gospel test this morning.

I share this with you, not just because it’s my favorite painting, but because it represents a moment in time for the Holy Family, one that holds two things at once.

The ordinariness of everyday life – found in every culture and across time – and the extraordinary thing that’s unfolding made manifest in the incarnation.

 

 

 

 

Orthodox Icon: “The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple” Writer Unknown

 The presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the feast we celebrate today, is one such moment in time for the Holy Family.

It’s a moment of everyday life with its milestones – found in the customs and the rituals for a particular time, for a particular people, and in a particular place.

This presentation takes place under the requirements of Jewish law – the law which stated that the first born was to be presented in the temple, as a moment of dedication.

 

The presentation of Jesus was also prophetic moment, a moment when the prophets Simeon and Anna proclaimed who Jesus is – the fulfillment of Jewish law…the Messiah had arrived.

Pope John Paul II had this to say about the events in the temple that day:

“In the mysterious encounter between Simeon and Mary, the Old and New Testaments are joined. Together the aging prophet and the young mother give thanks for this Light which has kept the darkness from prevailing. It is the Light which shines in the heart of human life: Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, ‘a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of his people Israel.’”

What would it have been like for Mary and Joseph to hear the prophecy proclaimed about their son that day?

What was it like for Mary to hear that ‘a sword will pierce her own soul too?’ The Presentation isn’t just another boring religious ritual.

On the contrary, it is a pivotal moment pointing to Jesus’s divine identity, and to Mary and Joseph’s model cooperation with God’s mission.

The Presentation is about Jesus’ identity –the Messiah the world had been waiting for.

Over time, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, came to include the lighting and blessing of candles which were carried out in procession.

This feast is known as “Candlemas.” What do the candles mean?

They connect us back to the words of the prophet Simeon- that Jesus is ‘a light for the revelation of the Gentiles and for the glory of his people Israel.’

And as we receive this light in our baptism, we become part of this light. With that comes responsibility.

Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to cooperate with God’s project to heal the world through Love.

A Love that is costly, a Love that will pierce the very soul of Mary…a Love that will cost Jesus his life.

This is what it means for us to walk the Way of Love.

 

Today, Candlemas reminds us that we’re still in the season of long winter nights…and that we’re in a season where it can feel like darkness is pressing in on all sides.

We know our communities and our world are in desperate need of love, mercy, healing and justice.

How can we be Love for a hurting world? Will we carry the Light, to the places and the people that need our care and concern, and for stand for those who have no voice?

It’s hard to hold our heartbreak, our anxiety, our fear along with the urgency of this moment.

Our hearts long to sit and be still and know God.

Not just in the darkness of today, but in the days to come.

So, in that spirit, I offer you a space to bask in the Light and experience peace.

You may want to close your eyes for a bit…

Some of us come feeling a bit stressed; maybe the week you’ve had so far isn’t what you planned or hoped for.

Some of us come feeling a bit sad; maybe this week you’ve experienced a loss or been reminded of something or someone you’ve lost.

Some of us come feeling angry; perhaps you had a recent argument or were let down by someone you love.

Some of us come distracted; maybe you want to get away quickly so you can get on to the thing you really want to be doing.

Some of us come powerless; maybe your life or the world feel out of control.

Some of us come at the end of our strength, tired and lost as to know how to drum up the will to move forward.

You’re here now, and this is a time to pause and breathe. The feelings we come with are real.

This is a time to rest and receive.

Remember that the Light of Christ eternally radiates through the darkness.

Just as Jesus met his people in the prophets Simeon and Anna, Jesus meets us here.

You are here among friends.

God’s door is open to all.

You can present yourself, your whole self, just as Jesus was in the temple that day.

Imagine a flickering candle in your mind’s eye. Gaze upon the flame of the candle.

Notice that the flame dances – yet remains unwavering in its glow. Let the steadiness of the light steady your thoughts and feelings.

As the prophet Simeon lifted Jesus the child, he praised God in these words,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

 As you reflect on the steadiness of the candle, consider the peace that comes from trusting in God…

God’s Word, God’s steadiness, God’s promise in Jesus the Risen Christ. The consolation of Israel is yours—be enlightened and encouraged.

Be at peace.

 

It is from this Divine knowledge and peace that stems our wonder and creativity…that which allows us to respond and work towards what could be…

…the world of God’s dream…

where deliverance comes to the poor, the captive, the blind and the oppressed.

 In the world around us there is chaos.

Remember we are called to a place of stillness and steadfastness in God…a place where you can remember to whom you belong -that the Light of Christ is in you, so you may can carry it wherever you go and to whoever you meet.

Allow this knowledge to surround you as you rest in the ight…for you are strong, you are wise, and God’s favor rests upon you.

 Be at peace.

“Cosmic Jesus” Writer Unknown

Let us pray:

 

O God, when our world outside is chaotic, and life seems fragile, help us to seek your love and your peace. Help us to find moments of rest, and play, and joy in ordinary moments. Give us strength and courage, like that of Mary and Joseph- so we may offer your peace, compassion, love and mercy to all we encounter. Give us a thirst for your justice. Hold us firmly and gently, just as we imagine Jesus the child held the little bird. And help us to return to you in our hearts throughout our days, in whatever lies ahead.

 

Amen

10am Service