The Fourth Joyful Mystery:
The Presentation at the Temple

“[T]hey took [the child Jesus] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord… and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves… [Simeon the righteous] 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’” (Lk 2:22, 24, 34-35).

“When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him 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 Messiah 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’” (Lk 2:22-35).

Simeon kept his eyes on the Lord and ever trusted in him. God had promised he would see the Christ before he died, and he trusted God would keep his promise. Even as the years—indeed, the decades—passed, yet he believed! We too must remain patient regarding God’s promises. We too may wait on him for decades. We must patiently wait on the Lord that we too may realize our reward and be ready for eternity with him.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

The Holy Family faithfully obeyed the law of Moses. Obedience to God is an expression of our love for him. Indeed, Jesus says those who love him will obey him. Jesus says that those who do the will of the Father are his brothers and sisters. We must trust in the Lord and obey him in everything. We must likewise acknowledge the authority Jesus gave his church and obey the Church in everything. For love of God, we must fulfill the law and move beyond it, offering generous service to whoever asks.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

Mary fully knows her life is not her own. She lives solely for God and his son. She knows her life is utterly bound and intertwined with this child, her divine son. She will share in all his joys as well as his suffering. And the righteous Simeon now reveals that suffering will indeed be great. We must also fully know our life is not our own, our life too is utterly bound and intertwined with Jesus. We too are called to share in his joys and suffering. We too must consent completely to the Lord’s will. We too must give our heartfelt yes.

Briefly reflect, discuss with God, and Praise God.

Do we joyfully obey the precepts of the Church? Or do we question and complain about every small requirement? How might we improve our outlook toward the little the Church requires of us?

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Your heart too will be pierced by a sword. Are you willing to journey forward knowing that difficult things will be asked of you too? Can you wholeheartedly follow Jesus and Mary in this?

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Simeon and Ana both recognized the infant Jesus as the Christ. Do we openly consider the insights of our spiritual elders? Are we open to the Lord speaking to us through others?