Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Lectionary: 524

Since the children share in blood and flesh,
Jesus likewise shared in them,
that through death he might destroy the one
who has the power of death, that is, the Devil....

Christmas is long passed and today the world entertains itself with harassing a groundhog. Everyone knows it means nothing at all and that seems to be the point. And so Catholics turn back to remember and be grateful for the Gift that does matter.

Today the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that, "...he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way." 

I wonder how many young parents hope their child might be like their "brothers and sisters in every way." Don't they hope for better than that? That the infant will be stronger, smarter, healthier, happier, more clever, more obedient, and generally easier to manage than other children? 

Would any new parents hope that their boy or girl will be tested through what they suffer, in order that they, "might be able to help those who are being tested?" 

Perhaps, if the notion were proposed to them, they might agree that failure, disappointment, and trouble make one stronger; but they'd rather think of other, more cheerful things.

The Feast of the Presentation refreshes the Spirit of Christmas, but also arouses sober thoughts about the life and mission of Christ and his people in a world which entertains itself by hauling a fat groundhog out of its burrow. Clearly, they've got over Christianity and Christmas with its hopes and fears a long time ago. They think that hope is a preference for early spring. Although, with climate change, early springs forecast torrid summers and deadly hurricanes. 

Today, we fix our gaze on Jesus and thank God for the promise of this Child. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is the Son of Man who, 

receives dominion, splendor, and kingship;

all nations, peoples and tongues... serve him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion

that shall not pass away,

his kingship, one that shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:14)

Lent begins early this year, just 16 days from now. It's not too soon to follow in his footsteps toward Jerusalem, Calvary, and Easter.