The Fourth Joyful Mystery- The Presentation

The Fourth Joyful Mystery is the Presentation.(LK 2:22-40) 

The Presentation (celebrated by the Church on February 2nd- 40 days after Christmas) recalls Mary and Joseph taking the infant Jesus to the temple for the ritual purification of Mary and the Jewish custom of the redemption of the firstborn. Here is our evidence that the Holy Family w

as, indeed, poor because their offering of small birds was allowed in Leviticus. The wealthy would offer a bull or a goat; the destitute could offer flour. Even though they had no need to make a sin offering for Mary's purification, they did anyway. This shows their desire to live according to the Law and their acceptance of God's will in their lives.

Simeon, upon seeing the child, recognizes him as the long-awaited Messiah and makes a prophecy about him; Anna tells every who will listen that she has seen the child.

Again- notice- the focus is on Christ. 

Candlemas (another name for this feast) is traditionally the day when candles are blessed for use at Mass during the year. The following day- Feb. 3rd is the Feast of St Blaise, Bishop and martyr...it is a tradition to bless throats with candles on St Blaise Day.

A beautiful Catholic tradition based on the Jewish custom has fallen out of use. It was called the "churching" and was a special blessing given to a mother the first time she returned to church after giving birth. If I had known about it when I was in baby-making mode, I would have asked for it!

The lesson of the Presentation? Parents are the first faith educators of their children. We set the example. When our children see us attending Mass every Sunday and Holy Day, when they see us go to Confession, when they see us pray we are teaching them far more than we could ever imagine...and we all know:our children watch what we say and do. All of us have the responsibility to raise children in the faith and to set the example of faithful following of the Lord and his Church.