Presentation Ministries, which publishes One Bread, One Body, is named after Our Lady of Presentation, whose feast day is celebrated November 21. However, we also celebrate today's feast day, the Presentation of our Lord.

When Jesus was presented in the temple, Mary and Joseph were purified (Lk 2:22), Jesus was consecrated (Lk 2:23), Simeon's life was fulfilled (Lk 2:26), and Mary and Joseph were amazed (Lk 2:33). In addition to these events, at Jesus' presentation Simeon prophesied that Jesus is "a revealing Light to the Gentiles, the Glory of [God's] people Israel" (Lk 2:32), and "a Sign that will be opposed" (Lk 2:34). Simeon also prophesied that Mary would be "pierced with a sword" of sorrow (Lk 2:35). Finally, Anna experienced the culmination of her eighty-four years when she met the Baby Jesus (Lk 2:37-38).

The day of Jesus' presentation was an exceptional day for many people. Today, as we remember Jesus' presentation, we also can be purified, consecrated, fulfilled, and amazed. We can begin a new life or experience the culmination of our long life. We can suffer redemptively. Today Jesus will either be a revealing Light to us or a Sign of contradiction.

Make this a day to remember. Accept Jesus. Don't resist His grace. Present yourself to Him with total love.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 11, 2008

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