WAIT FOR THE LORD.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Year C Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-31 Our Gospel narrates the story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. Jesus was presented in the temple to consecrate Him and to set Him aside for the service to the Lord. Why he needs to be presented? It is a Jewish tradition that every firstborn must be offered to the Lord. Offering is a recognition of God’s goodness and generosity. (It is also a gesture of asking for blessings-take care of this child. It’s yours, we are only stewards.) What I really like and love in the gospel is the mentioned of these two characters who were patiently waiting to see the child Jesus. Who are they? 1. Simeon -very upright and devout man from Jerusalem. - He is waiting and waiting and waiting because of the promise assured to him by the Holy Spirit. “He would not die before seeing the Messiah”. By the way the name Simeon means “GOD HAS HEARD”. 2. Anna - prophetess, daughter of Phanuel - like Simeon she is in the temple day and night fasting and praying. - she was 84 years old when she met the child Jesus. Message: Simeon and Anna’s perseverance in waiting was rewarded with final joy. Our Gospel for today is reminding us that LIFE HAS MEANING WHEN WE SPEND IT WAITING FOR JESUS. Waiting can be frustrating but the joy at the end is wonderful. God is calling us to wait and to be more patient. God knows what is best for us. To those who are single and looking for a partner in life take this in mind: better to wait long than marry wrong. There are moments in our life that we feel like we are waiting for something that is not going to happen. You know what, I hate waiting, but if it’s waiting for the Lord, I will wait. You know what, It took me 18 long years to wait to get ordained as priest. But by patient waiting God grant my hearts’s desire. Brothers and sisters keep this in mind: BLESSINGS MAYBE BELAYED BUT ITS NEVER BEEN DENIED”. Read Psalm 40:10 because God does not disappoint anyone. We must trust God even when his answer is “WAIT”. God answers when you least expect. It is difficult to wait but it is more difficult to regret. Never give up on something you really want. GREAT THINGS COMES TO THOSE WHO WAIT. Lord I will wait for you because I don’t want anyone else. 4P’s to consider: 1. Always PREPARE 2. If we wanted to be blessed PRESENT yourself and make yourself presentable to the Lord. 3. PRAY for your children: consecrate them to God 4. PURIFY yourself. Blessings Fr. Jhack