January 6 / Luke 2:21-39

Luke 2:21-39

Good morning, RTB’ers!

Today’s reading is known as “The Presentation in the Temple”. Mary and Joseph were following an Old Testament custom for Jewish parents, passed on through the ages from the time when it was handed down by God to Moses, some 1,500 years before Jesus’ birth. The first STS note below today’s questions has Old Testament references for this custom.

Simeon and Anna, two Bible people known to us only through this one incident in today’s reading. I was struck at how news of Jesus’ birth was being “broadcast” around Jerusalem, by Simeon, “And His father and His mother marveled at what was said about Him.” (v. 33) and by Anna, “And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (v. 39). And what brought these two people to this moment? Apparently Anna either lived in a room in the Temple or reasonably close by, since she was there fasting and praying every day (v. 37). Simeon, however, seemingly just “showed up”, but clearly guided by the Holy Spirit, as we see in three Holy Spirit references for His presence in verses 25-27. What a model these two provide for us – daily prayer and being led by the Spirit. Good examples to follow!

One personal note… My mother’s name was Anna, with Nancy as her nickname. She died when I was four years old. Our first child is named Nancy, after my mother and recalling this Anna. So today’s reading is always warm in my heart.

Blessings!