Witnesses to the Light
Julián Carrón - In the Baptism of Jesus, we saw Him queuing up with sinners to be baptized by John the Baptist, even though He had not sinned. Today, on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple to perform the rite of purification according to the Law of Moses (Leviticus 12) and to redeem the firstborn male (Exodus 13:2, 12).
According to the Mosaic Law, as we have heard, every firstborn male was to be presented at the Temple and consecrated to the Lord forty days after birth.
Being the Son of God, He did not need this consecration, yet He submitted Himself to the Law to fully enter into the history of His people. Therefore, “When the days of their purification were fulfilled, Mary and Joseph took the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” In this way, Jesus was officially introduced into the history of the people of Israel under the Mosaic Law. The acts performed by Mary and Joseph could have been considered mere formalities—rituals to be observed. After all, for most people in Jesus’ time, this event went unnoticed. God continued to act, even in people's unawareness.
The story could have unfolded differently, but two people made all the difference amidst the general indifference: Simeon and Anna. What enabled them to recognize the magnitude of this moment, even though it went unnoticed by most? Their anticipation. Of Simeon, it is said that he “was waiting for the consolation of Israel.” Of Anna, it is said that she “was waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Things reveal their meaning to those who await them. But waiting is by no means a given; it is a gift. As we heard, Simeon waited because “the Holy Spirit was upon him.” Moved by the Spirit, he went to the temple, and as the parents brought in the child Jesus to do what the Law prescribed, he took Him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
"Now, Lord, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”
"There was also the prophetess Anna, [...] who was very advanced in age. She had lived with her husband for seven years after their marriage and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer.
Overcoming with joy, she also began to praise God and spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
One can grow old skeptical without expectation. Or, as we see in Simeon and Anna, one can remain open and wide-eyed despite the years—because time has not closed off their openness but instead has deepened their expectation. Only those who remain open and available can grasp the true meaning of any action.
The purification and consecration performed by the parents do not remain mere rites but are transformed into authentic gestures that point to something greater: they become manifestations of the Lord and the salvation He brings. This is so powerful that it even amazes the child’s parents, as the text reminds us: “The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him.”
Even today, this occasion risks being reduced to a purely formal gesture. But God’s actions reach in a special way those in need, those who are waiting for Him. His gestures establish a constant dialogue with the human heart, which longs for fulfillment. Who perceives the value and novelty within such a seemingly formal gesture? Those who feel the jolt of recognition. Indeed, those who experience this jolt are blessed, for it opens a crack that marks the beginning of victory over formalism.
Those who follow this inner movement begin to participate in the newness that Jesus brings to their lives. Simeon blessed God because he had seen salvation: “A light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”
Joy becomes contagious and compels one to share it with others who are also waiting—like Anna, who “praising God, spoke about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
The astonishment of Simeon and Anna turns out to be God’s method; their amazement immediately benefits others, who in turn are filled with it—like the parents, who “were amazed at what was said about their child.” There can be no communication of the Christian event if it does not occur within us first.
Its transmission is, in fact, the communication of oneself. Everyone who participates in this rite today is called, like Simeon, Anna, Mary, and Joseph, to grasp its profound newness. This gift has been given to us so that it may be shared with everyone. If we have seen salvation, we will become candles that reflect the light of Christ. We will radiate that glory, illuminating all we meet along life’s path—for the light given to us is meant for all.
Presentation of the Lord—Year Notes from the homily by Julián Carrón - Feb. 2, 2025
(First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18; Gospel: Luke 2:22-40)
The author has not revised the text and its translations.
