The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem
And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERYMALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.”
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
A LIGHTOF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.”
And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Why do Catholics celebrate the feast of the Presentation?
This feast day celebrates both the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, as well as the Purification of Mary, which was required by the Mosaic Law forty days after the birth of a child.
The Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, also called Candlemas for the custom of using lighted candles. In the early Church it was often celebrated on February 14th, 40 days after the Epiphany, in keeping with the practice of celebrating Christmas on that date in the East. Among the Orthodox it is known as the Hypapante (“Meeting” of the Lord with Simeon).
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Why is the Presentation of Jesus important?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 529) teaches,
The presentation of Jesus in the temple shows him to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. With Simeon and Anna, all Israel awaits its encounter with the Savior-the name given to this event in the Byzantine tradition. Jesus is recognized as the long-expected Messiah, the “light to the nations” and the “glory of Israel,” but also “a sign that is spoken against.” The sword of sorrow predicted for Mary announces Christ's perfect and unique oblation on the cross that will impart the salvation God had “prepared in the presence of all peoples.”
It is also important to note that, as a poor family, the Holy Family gave an offering of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. However, the Lamb whom they brought to the Temple was the Lamb of God.
At what age was Jesus presented in the temple?
He was presented when He was still a newborn, only 40 days old.
“In the mysterious encounter between Simeon and Mary, the Old and New Testaments are joined. Together the aging prophet and the young mother give thanks for this Light which has kept the darkness from prevailing. It is the Light which shines in the heart of human life: Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world, ‘a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of his people Israel.’” – Pope St. John Paul II
Who are Simeon and Anna in the Bible?
The Gospel of Luke 2:22-40 states:
And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.” And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Regarding Simeon and Anna, Pope Benedict XVI said,
Even the priests proved incapable of recognizing the signs of the new and special presence of the Messiah and Saviour. Alone two elderly people, Simeon and Anna, discover this great newness. Led by the Holy Spirit, in this Child they find the fulfilment of their long waiting and watchfulness. They both contemplate the light of God that comes to illuminate the world and their prophetic gaze is opened to the future in the proclamation of the Messiah: “Lumen ad revelationem gentium!” (Lk 2:32). The prophetic attitude of the two elderly people contains the entire Old Covenant which expresses the joy of the encounter with the Redeemer. Upon seeing the Child, Simeon and Anna understood that he was the Awaited One.
“… while we are still at the dawn of Jesus’ life, we are already oriented to Calvary. It is on the Cross that Jesus will be definitively confirmed as a sign of contradiction, and it is there that his Mother’s heart will be pierced by the sword of sorrow. We are told it all from the beginning, on the 40th day after Jesus’ birth, on the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, so important in the Church’s liturgy.” - Pope St. John Paul II
What does the name “Simeon” mean?
This is a Hebrew name that means “he has heard” or “God has heard.”
When is St. Simeon’s feast day?
The Church celebrates his feast day on the day after Candlemas, February 3.
Was Simeon a prophet?
In Hebrew navi, a prophet is one who tells, a spokesperson of God, speaking divine truth, or foretelling what will be the consequences for the future. On both counts, Simeon was a prophet, who revealed the truth about who Jesus was, as well as the implications for Israel, for Jesus Himself and for Mary.
What does the name “Anna” mean?
Originally taken from the Hebrew name Hannah, it means “favor” or “grace.”
When is St. Anna’s feast day?
Anna the Prophetess shares a feast day with St. Simeon on February 3.
“In the encounter between the old man Simeon and Mary, a young mother, the Old and New Testaments come together in a wondrous way in giving thanks for the gift of the light that shone in the darkness and has prevented it from prevailing: Christ the Lord.” - Pope Benedict XVI
What did Simeon say when he saw Jesus?
St. Simeon offered this prayer,
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)
Called the Nunc Dimittis, for the first words in the Latin Vulgate, it is one of the three major Canticles used in the Church’s liturgy. It is said each evening at the end of Night Prayer, the last Divine Office of the Liturgy of the Hours, or Breviary. The other Canticles are that of Zechariah, used for Lauds or Morning Prayer, and of Mary (the Magnificat), used for Vespers or Evening Prayer.
What did Simeon say about Mary?
After speaking of Jesus, St. Simeon then spoke to Mary of her role of accompanying her Son in His redemptive suffering. Simeon reveals, as well, Mary’s own mission of intercession and compassion for us, her spiritual children.
Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed. (Luke 2:34-35)
“This is the meeting point of the two Testaments, Old and New. Jesus enters the ancient temple; he who is the new Temple of God: he comes to visit his people, thus bringing to fulfilment obedience to the Law and ushering in the last times of salvation.” - Pope Benedict XVI
Who is Anna in the Bible?
Anna is the prophetess who saw the Holy Family at the Presentation of Jesus at the temple. The Gospel of Luke 2:36-38 tells us about Anna:
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
What does the Purification of Mary mean?
The purification was ritual, preparatory to worship, in this case after the momentous events of childbirth and the time of rest or “laying in” afterwards. Thus, the Jewish priest purified himself by bathing before entering the holy place, and, similarly, the priest at Mass washes his hands before beginning the Eucharistic Prayer and handing the Body and Blood of Christ.
Mary, although morally pure, fulfilled her religious obligations by being purified 40 days after Jesus’ birth. Throughout her life, the Blessed Mother was always obedient to God’s Will, in this case expressed through the laws given to Israel through Moses.
“Simeon’s words seem like a second Annunciation to Mary, for they tell her of the actual historical situation in which the Son is to accomplish his mission, namely, in misunderstanding and sorrow. While this announcement on the one hand confirms her faith in the accomplishment of the divine promises of salvation, on the other hand it also reveals to her that she will have to live her obedience of faith in suffering, at the side of the suffering Savior, and that her motherhood will be mysterious and sorrowful.” — Pope St. John Paul II
Why is it called Candlemas Day?
This is the day when candles are blessed in the Church and traditionally have been lit in celebration of the feast.
Pope St. John Paul II said, “Christian traditions of the East and West have been interwoven, enriching the liturgy of this feast with a special procession in which the light of candles both large and small is a symbol of Christ, the true Light who came to illumine his people and all peoples.”
How many days after Christmas is Candlemas celebrated?
Candlemas is celebrated 40 days after Christmas. According to Leviticus 12, women should be purified 40 days after a son’s birth (33 days after the boy’s circumcision) and 80 days after a daughter’s birth. The purification was ritual, and preparatory to worship, in this case after the momentous events of childbirth and the time of rest or “laying in” afterwards.
Is Candlemas the end of Christmas?
In the Ordinary Form of the Latin Rite, the liturgical forms and calendar as revised after the Second Vatican Council, the last day of the Christmas Season is the Baptism of Our Lord, when His hidden life ended and His public ministry began.
However, the Church maintains an Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite which utilizes the forms and calendar in use prior to the Council. In this usage, the Christmas Season continues until the Feast of the Presentation. Many Catholics, therefore, maintain their Christmas decorations through Candlemas.
What is the significance of Candlemas Day?
Pope St. John Paul II said,
The prophetic words spoken by the aged Simeon shed light on the mission of the Child brought to the temple by his parents: “Behold this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against ... that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed” (Lk 2:34-35). To Mary Simeon said: “And a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (Lk 2:35). The hymns of Bethlehem have now faded and the cross of Golgotha can already be glimpsed; this happens in the temple, the place where sacrifices are offered. The event we are commemorating today is thus a bridge as it were, linking the two most important seasons of the Church's year.
What do you eat on Candlemas?
Pancakes are the traditional choice on Candlemas. In Mexico, people eat tamales on this feast day, and in France, they eat crepes.
What are the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary?
The Joyful Mysteries include:
The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Nativity of Our Lord
The Presentation in the Temple
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
What is the World Day for Consecrated Life?
The Presentation is celebrated in the Church as the World Day for Consecrated Life. Pope St. John Paul II instituted this annual celebration in 1997 as a day of prayer for religious men and women and other consecrated persons. This recalls the special offering which they have made to the Lord through their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. In Rome, the Holy Father celebrates a special Mass for them at St. Peter’s, which the religious living in Rome attend.
Pope Benedict XVI said,
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is an eloquent image of the total gift of one’s life for all those, men and women, who are called to represent “the characteristic features of Jesus — the chaste, poor and obedient one” (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Vita Consecrata, n. 1) in the Church and in the world, through the evangelical counsels. For this reason Venerable John Paul II chose today’s Feast to celebrate the Annual World Day of Consecrated Life.
“Chapter 6: Presentation at the Temple,” New Testament Stories (2005), 16–17
“Chapter 6,” New Testament Stories, 16–17
Presentation at the Temple
When Jesus was just a few weeks old, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him at the temple.
Simeon, a righteous man who lived in Jerusalem, was at the temple. The Holy Ghost told him he would see Christ before he died.
Luke 2:25–26
Simeon saw the baby Jesus at the temple. He held Him in his arms and praised God.
Luke 2:27–29
Simeon said that the child would bring salvation to all people. Joseph and Mary marvelled at what he said.
Luke 2:30–33
A widow named Anna also saw Jesus and knew who He was. She gave thanks and told many people about Him.
Luke 2:36–38
Timeline Between Presentation in Temple and Flight to Egypt
Then, according to Old Covenant law, Mary had to wait an additional 33 days before her purification and presentation of her Son in the Temple (Lev. 12:1-7; Luke 2:22-24).
More from Catholic.com
Jesus’ Dedication In The Temple
Have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit told us about the shepherds at the time of the birth of Jesus? Was it not enough to tell us that Jesus was born? Yet, the Holy Spirit tells us in Luke 2 that an angel appeared to a group of shepherds. We do not know how many shepherds were present or if they were kind, short, or fat. That was not important. God only wanted us to know that angels had visited the shepherds and that they then visited Jesus. Why? I believe the answer is simple. He wants us to know that the birth of Jesus was a cosmic event. Did angels announce your birth? They sure did not announce my birth. But the angels announced Jesus’ birth because God came to earth in human form. He was the Savior of the world. The angel said, ” . . . for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior . . . ” The angel did not say that Jesus would become the Savior. No, he said that Jesus was the Savior. God had already planned His death, and it was so certain that one could already say that He was the Savior. The stunning event of the angels and the shepherds was a sign that God was intervening in human history. God was among us.
Naming of Jesus
After the shepherds found Jesus, they left and delivered their flocks to Jerusalem and then returned home. Eight days later Mary and Joseph had their baby boy circumcised and named him Jesus.
And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21 (NASB)
John the Baptist had also been circumcised and named on the eighth day (Luke 1:57-66). Both sets of parents were obedient to God’s command about circumcision in Leviticus 12:3. It was the custom of the time to name a male baby on the day of his circumcision. Modern medicine indicates that the eighth day would have been the best time for the circumcision to be performed.
Just like Zacharias and Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary named their baby boy according to the command of the angel Gabriel. Joseph and Mary were faithful parents. The event of the shepherds would have been an encouragement to Jesus’ parents that He was in fact someone very unusual. Just as their obedience was a sign that they believed and trusted God, our obedience proves the same thing. Our obedience proves that we believe God is not just a myth but that He is real. Otherwise, why would anyone want to obey?
Jesus’ Dedication
About 33 days after Jesus’ circumcision, or 40 days after His birth, His parents took Him to Jerusalem to be dedicated to the Lord. According to Leviticus 12:4-5, every male child was to be brought to the temple in Jerusalem for dedication to the Lord at the completion of a mother’s purification.
And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.” Luke 2:22-24 (NASB)
Once again His parents were being faithful to the Lord. His dedication to the Lord God involved the sacrifice of some animals. Leviticus 12:7-8 says that Joseph and Mary could have offered either a lamb or two turtle doves or two pigeons.
Then he shall offer it before the LORD and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood. This is the law for her who bears a child, whether a male or a female. “But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, the one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for her, and she will be clean.” Leviticus 12:7-8 (NASB)
The offering was an atonement for Mary’s purification, and it was to be performed by a priest. The atonement was apparently not for a mother’s sin, but was symbolic of a mother’s “uncleanliness” due to her bleeding.
What kind of sacrifice did Joseph and Mary offer at the temple? The Holy Spirit says that they offered some birds and not a lamb. This means that they were poor. When we look at the gospel events, we discover that Jesus’ ministry was not primarily to the rich but to the poor. He healed the poor and warned the rich. He said that it was hard for the rich to enter heaven because they were content with their riches and themselves. The scriptures indicate that God has great compassion for the poor. Throughout scripture God encourages us to help the sick, widows, orphans, and those in prison. Is that why Jesus was born to poor parents? He was born into a poor family. He died as a poor man, and was buried in a rich man’s tomb. Jesus knows what it is like to be poor. God loves the poor and rejects the cold hearted, self-righteous rich man. God wants us to care for those who have less than we do. He cares for the poor.
Simeon – A Spirit Filled Man
Next, we are told that while Joseph and Mary were at the temple, a man named Simeon found them.
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:25-26 (NASB)
He had been looking for the Messiah or the consolation of Israel. He was full of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah or the Lord’s Christ. God loved Simeon! God cared about the man so much that He promised this man that he would live until he saw Jesus. God is in the business of answering prayers and making promises. Simeon is just one example. God answered prayers yesterday, and He is answering prayers today of people around the world. He provides greater blessings than slot machines, gambling casinos, hospitals, and gifts at birthday parties. His blessings are from His heart to your heart.
Simeon’s Blessing
So Simeon came to the temple not because he thought it would be a good day to visit but because he was led by the Holy Spirit.
And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, “Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:27-32 (NASB)
Now that is being sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Would you like to be that sensitive to the Holy Spirit? Notice that Simeon was described as being a righteous and devout man. He was looking for the Messiah. Are you righteous? Are you devoted to God? Do you love God so much that you are looking for His return? These are traits of a godly man or woman. A godly, devout man or woman wants to meet God and to see Him. That was true of Simeon.
Did you notice that Simeon said Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles? Of all the various faiths, Christianity is the only one that provides prophecy and historical facts to authenticate its spiritual message. No other sacred book compares to it. The message of God is unique. It would need to be. The Bible is light because it is truth!
When Simeon found Jesus, he held Jesus in his arms and blessed Him. Simeon understood that the baby in his arms was the Savior for sinners and the King of kings. This was no ordinary baby. It would have been fun to have watched the face of Jesus’ parents while Simeon blessed Him. How did Joseph and Mary respond? What did they think?
And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. Luke 2:33 (NASB)
God was blessing and reassuring this poor couple one more time that this child was very unusual. He was unique. Joseph needed to hear this again. His wife had told him the truth. Mary needed reassurance.
Simeon’s Warning
Then Simeon turned and warned Mary. He must have been looking at her face – looking into her eyes when he gave her this warning,
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed – and a sword will pierce even your own soul — to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:34-35 (NASB)
Jesus was going to be rejected by many and die a painful death. She would suffer greatly, and that all came true when she stood at the foot of the cross 33 years later looking up at her first born dying on a wooden cross. She did not understand Simeon completely but she would some day.
Most of us understand these comments except for the last one, “to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” What did Simeon mean? He was saying that the true motivations and intentions of peoples’ hearts toward Jesus would be revealed at the end. Yes, Jesus would have followers. Yes, many would be healed during His ministry and rejoice in His teaching. Some would welcome Him as king one day with palm leaves on the ground, but many of them would not really care about Jesus. They would only care about themselves, what they could get. They could just as easily ask for His death and they did one day when it pleased them. Many were fickle. They were heartless, forgetful folks. Yet, there would be those like His mother and others, including a thief on the cross, who would want a Savior who would rescue them from their sins. They knew in their hearts who He was. They believed that He was the Savior of the world. He was the King!
Anna – The Prophetess
Had Joseph and Mary asked God to encourage them? We do not know, but God planned to encourage them with both Simeon and now a faithful and devout woman named Anna. She was 84 years of age.
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38 (NASB)
We are told that she was from the tribe of Asher. Now for those who wonder about the “ten lost tribes of Israel” from the northern part of the land of Canaan, this passage tells us that the tribes were not lost. Asher was one of those tribes in northern Israel. Now if Anna was from Asher, God did not lose them, and they were not lost in Jesus’ day. God knows where they are.
Anna was dedicated to God. We are told that she never left the temple. She was a prayer warrior. Probably few women have been more committed to prayer than this godly woman. Somehow God told her that her Messiah was in the temple, and so she approached Jesus and began to thank Him. She knew the baby was her Messiah! We do not know what she said to Jesus’ parents. It would have been wonderful to have been there and to have listened. Then Anna started telling others about the One she had waited for – her Messiah!
Angels appeared, offered praise to God, and shepherds visited a baby – God in human flesh. Those are great cosmic birthday announcements. The Holy Spirit spoke; Simeon honored Jesus with praise, and a mother’s heart was warned about a sad day to come. The Holy Spirit helped an 84 year old woman know that her Messiah had arrived, and then she told everyone who would listen that her Messiah had come.
Why did God do this? Why did God speak to a group of shepherds, a prophet, and a prophetess? Why? He did it for the shepherds, for Simeon and Anna, and He did it for a poor couple – Joseph and Mary. God cared about them. The God of the universe cares about us. He took time and paid special attention to some longing hearts – hearts longing to know the Messiah. Maybe they did not realize that their Messiah was God in the flesh, but they would some day. In the process, God revealed His heart. He revealed that He loves us. He cares about individuals – men and woman. He loves the poor as well as the rich. God has a compassionate heart. He granted an old man’s request and ministered to an old woman’s heart. Wow! Wouldn’t it be great if today’s pastors cared more for the older generation than they do today? Recently, a pastor told me that his church was designed for the 20-30’s generation. He would not even be interested in meeting the need of a Simeon or Anna in his church. But God is and does! God calls us to honor the aged in Leviticus 19:32.
The visit of the shepherds and the events with Simeon and Anna are not afterthought additions to the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. They reveal God’s heart and they point us to Jesus. Jesus was the God-Messiah. He was not just any normal human baby. Jesus is God who came in human flesh. Jesus is the Christ. There was no other. There is no other. He is the One! Jesus is the One!
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Life of Mary (VIII): Jesus' Presentation in the Temple
February 2nd is the feast of the Presentation. Mary offers her Son to God and learns that she too will share closely in Jesus' redemptive mission.
The gathering of pilgrims in Bethlehem has ended. After Christ's birth, Joseph found a more worthy place to house the Holy Family. There, after eight days, he carried out the rite of circumcision by which the male children begin to form part of the people of Israel. And the child officially received the name Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb ( Lk 2:21). Forty days later, Mary and Joseph took the Child with them to Jerusalem, when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses…to present him to the Lord as it is written in the law of the Lord…and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons" ( Lk 2:22-25).
Neither Jesus nor Mary was obliged to follow these prescriptions. Mary had not contracted any legal impurity for she had conceived and given birth in a virginal way. Nor did the law affecting the redeeming of the first-born apply to Jesus, the true Lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world. And yet, three times in just a few verses, special mention is made of the fact that everything was done in strict observance of the Law of God.
The Church discovers a deeper meaning in this episode. In first place, the fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi: The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight ( Mal 3:1) Besides, Mary understood that Jesus had to be brought to the Temple, not to be redeemed like other first-born children, but to be offered to God as a true sacrifice. As the Letter to the Hebrews says: When Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifices and offerings you did not desire, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not take pleasure. Then I said: 'Lo, I have come to do your will, O God,' as it is written of me in the roll of the book" ( Heb 10:5-7). To some extent, Jesus' Presentation in the Temple can be linked with the Offering of the Sacrifice of Calvary that the Mass makes present in all times and places. In the preparation of this sacrifice, as later in its accomplishment on the summit of Golgatha, a special place was reserved for the Mother of Jesus. From the very first moments of his earthly life, Jesus united Mary to the redeeming sacrifice that he had come to fulfill.
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple can be linked with the Offering of the Sacrifice of Calvary that the Mass makes present in all times and places.
This sharing in the mystery of the Redemption was revealed little by little to the Virgin Mary. At the Annunciation the archangel had said nothing about this. But now it would be communicated through the words of Simeon, a just and God-fearing man far advanced in years: It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ ( Lk 2:26).
The encounter between our Lady and Simeon would have taken place in front of the Gate of Nicanor that led into the court of the Jews. That was the place where one of the priests received the women who came to offer the sacrifice for themselves and their children. Mary, accompanied by Joseph, stood in the line. While our Lady waited her turn, something happened that caused the on-lookers to be amazed. An old man approached the line. His face was glowing with joy. When the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you prepared in the presence of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel" ( Lk 2:29-32).
The Messiah would fulfill his mission by suffering, and the Mother would be mysteriously associated with her Son's sorrows.
On hearing these words, Mary and Joseph were overcome with wonder, for Simeon confirmed what the angel had communicated from God. But immediately his other words cast a shadow over their joy: the Messiah would fulfill his mission by suffering, and the Mother would be mysteriously associated with her Son's sorrows. Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed" ( Lk 2:34-35). Anna as well, a woman over 80 years old, joined in Simeon's announcement: coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem ( Lk 2:38).
From St. Luke's Gospel we know that our Lady presented the Child Jesus only after listening to the prophecy. She offered a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons , the offering of the poor, instead of the lamb prescribed by the Law of Moses. Nonetheless, in light of Simeon's words, she understood that Jesus was the true Lamb of God who would redeem men from their sins. And that she, as Mother, in a way she did not yet fully grasp, would be closely united to her Son's fate.
J. A. Loarte
Saint Joseph
Life of Mary
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The Presentation Of Jesus In The Temple Reflection
by Admin Team
July 2, 2022 March 29, 2024
The presentation of Jesus in the temple is a story from the Gospel of Luke that occurs during Jesus’ childhood. In this story, Mary and Joseph take 7-year old Jesus to the temple, where he is to be blessed by the priests.
When they arrive at the temple, there is no room for them to stay. This is because all of the rooms were full with people who had come to celebrate Passover. So Mary and Joseph had no place to stay overnight. They were forced to leave early and go back home. But then an angel appeared to them, telling them not to worry about finding a place for Jesus because God would provide one.
So they returned home again, but this time they found that their house was filled with many animals and food! The house was so full that they could not even get through the door! This was amazing because it showed just how powerful God’s love was towards his son and followers!
This story teaches us that even though we may have problems or challenges in our lives, we should never give up hope that things will work out for us in the end because God will always provide for us if we turn our lives over to him first and foremost.
Churchgists will give you all you ask on lessons from the presentation of Jesus in the temple, the presentation of Jesus in the temple bible verse and so much more.
Jesus’ presentation in the Temple reflects how he fulfills the Old Covenant . According to Old Testament law, a sacrifice had to be offered in the Temple when a child was consecrated to the Lord.
Fr. Antony Kadavil reflects and comments on the readings at Mass for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. He says that the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a combined feast, commemorating the Jewish practice of the purification of the mother after childbirth and the presentation of the child to God in the Temple. .
Introduction: This feast commemorates how Jesus, as a baby, was presented to God in the Temple in Jerusalem. This presentation finds its complete and perfect fulfillment in the mystery of the passion, death and Resurrection of the Lord. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is a combined feast , commemorating the Jewish practice of the purification of the mother after childbirth and the presentation of the child to God in the Temple and his buying back (redemption) from God. It is also known as the Feast of the Purification of Mary , and the Feast of Candlemas. It is also called the Feast of Encounter ( Hypapánte in Greek) because the New Testament, represented by the baby Jesus, encountered the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna. Joseph offered two pigeons in the Temple as sacrifice for the purification of Mary after her childbirth and for the presentation and redemption ceremonies performed for baby Jesus.
Homily starter anecdote: “Four chaplains Sunday: Julia Duin in the Washington Times Sunday, February 1, 2009 told this story. Just after midnight on Feb. 3, 1943, an act of extraordinary unselfishness by a group of men became a legend of martyrdom and sacrifice. When the Army ship Dorchester was torpedoed by the Germans just south of Greenland that night, its passengers and crew had 25 minutes to get off the boat. As 902 people went for the life jackets, it quickly was discovered there weren’t near enough. Of the 13 lifeboats, only two functioned. In the ship’s final minutes, Methodist senior chaplain George Lansing Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode, Dutch Reformed minister Clark V. Poling and John P. Washington, a Roman Catholic priest, were helping passengers leave the vessel. Then four men appeared all of them without life jackets. The chaplains quickly gave up their own vests and went down with the ship, perishing in the freezing water. Survivors saw them, locked arm in arm, praying and singing the Navy hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” just before the ship dove beneath the waves. It was a night as dramatic as the sinking of the Titanic but without a blockbuster movie to record the drama. “The Four Immortal Chaplains,” as they are now known, have been honored many times, including on a stamp issued in their honor by the U.S. Postal Service. Hence the first Sunday in February is known as “Four Chaplains Sunday” in some Christian denominations. They presented and offered themselves completely for the wellbeing of others as Jesus was presented to God his Heavenly Father in the Temple of Jerusalem for the salvation of the world. ( http://frtonyshomilies.com/).
lessons from the presentation of jesus in the temple
Scripture lessons summarized: In the first reading, taken from Malachi, the prophet speaks of the Lord suddenly coming to Jerusalem to purify the lax, lazy and indifferent priests of His Temple as silver is purified by fire. Simeon saw the Infant Jesus as the fulfillment of this passage. He saw Jesus as the Lord Who has come to the Temple, “destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel.” In the second reading, St. Paulproclaims Jesus as our Eternal High Priest of the New Covenant (Heb 2:17), Who offered himself on the altar of Calvary, the only pure priestly sacrifice that could please God. He replaces the former priesthood. The Gospel describes how Joseph, as the head of the Holy Family of Nazareth, presented Mary and the baby Jesus in the Temple of God for the mother’s purification and the Child’s “redemption.” It also describes the Holy Family’s encounter with the old prophet Simeon and the holy old widow Anna. In his prophecy, Simeon extols the divine blessings which the Messiah is bringing to Israel and to all men and predicts that Mary will play a crucial and sacrificial role in her Son’s redemptive work by sharing in her Son’s sufferings.
The first reading explained : Malachi prophesies in the first reading that the Lord is going to appear suddenly in the Temple of Jerusalem to purify its priests and the people. The prophecy warns that nobody can endure the day of the messenger’s coming because he will be like a refining fire, purifying the sons of Levi. Led by the Spirit, Simeon saw the Infant Jesus as the fulfillment of this passage. Simeon, even if unknown to himself, foresaw Christ and His priests of the New Covenant who were ordained during the Last Supper. He saw Jesus as the Lord Who would come to the Temple, “destined to be the downfall and rise of many in Israel.” In today’s reading, Malachi prophesies that God will purify the lax, lazy and indifferent priests of His Temple as silver is purified by fire. At the time of Malachi (around 460-450 BC), the priests were offering blemished (blind, lame) sacrifices and giving bad example (1:6-2:4). The people were negligent in their support of the Temple (3:6-12). Israelite wives were being rejected by husbands who wished to marry foreign women (2:14-16). Social injustice was rampant (3:5), and the people doubted God’s love (1:2-5). Hence, Malachi reminds them that the Day of the Lord, a Day of Judgment, reward and retribution is coming. He describes the Divine intervention as a two-stage process. First God’s messenger will appear to prepare the way by purifying the clergy and refining the cult (v. 3). This purification will take place until they present offerings to the Lord in a spirit of justice and righteousness. Then, the Lord of Hosts will suddenly appear in the Temple (v. 1), to bring judgment and justice against unfaithful sinners (v. 5). The Psalm announces to Jerusalem that Jerusalem is about to receive a great visitor. The Psalmist identifies him as “The LORD of hosts … the king of glory.”
The second reading explained: The second reading proclaims Jesus as our Eternal High Priest of the New Covenant (Heb 2:17), Who offered Himself on the altar of Calvary, the only pure priestly sacrifice that could please God. The Didache or the first catechism of the early Church (14:1-3), saw Malachi’s prophecy of a pure sacrifice and offering made from east to west as a prophecy of the sacrifice of the Eucharist. Hence Malachi prophesies that the Lord will enter His Temple, there will be a renewed priesthood, and there will be a pure sacrifice offered worldwide and pleasing to God — the Eucharist. Jesus became like us in all things except sin in order that He might offer to the Father perfect praise and glory. Besides, since Jesus fully shared our experience, He is now a merciful and faithful High Priest on our behalf, “able to help those who are being tested.” Jesus replaces the former priesthood. In keeping with the theme of today’s feast, namely, the presentation of the first fruits, this excerpt from Hebrews emphasizes Jesus’ dual role, as first-fruits, par excellence , and as the faithful High priest Who presents the perfect gift of Himself to God for the expiation of human sin. By virtue of His Incarnation, Jesus became human in every way (vv. 17-18) except as regards sin. As representative of His brothers and sisters before God and as their Mediator, Christ perfected His service as both sacrifice and priest. By so doing, Christ was able to “rob the devil” of power (v. 14). As the first-fruits from the dead, as the conqueror of sin and death, Christ, in His person and through His mission, has set the course and cleared the way we are to follow; the decision to do so must be a daily and deliberate one. It takes faith to see God’s power at work in the death of Jesus. Simeon hinted at this when he told Mary that she herself would be pierced with a sword. Even knowing that her Son was the Savior of the world, it would be difficult for Mary to see him accomplish that salvation by being crucified.
Exegesis of today’s Gospel: The birth of Christ was revealed by three kinds of witnesses in three different ways — first, by the shepherds, after the angel’s announcement; second, by the Magi, who were guided by a star; third, by Simeon and Anna, who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Today’s Gospel describes the Presentation of the Baby Jesus in the Temple. It was intended to ritually redeem Jesus who was the first born in the family and where Mary herself will have to be ritually purified. Mary and Joseph was a typical pious Jewish couple, who went to the Temple in obedience to do all that was required and expected of them by the Law.The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus is a combined feast , commemorating the Jewish practice of the purification of the mother after childbirth and the presentation of the child in the Temple. It is known as the Hypapánte feast or Feast of the Purification of Mary (by the offering two pigeons in the Temple), the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (by prayers and a sacrifice offered in the Temple to redeem or buy the firstborn male child back from the Lord), the Feast of Candlemas (because of its ancient rite of blessing of the candles to be used in the church for the next year — a practice dating from the middle of the fifth century) and the Feast of Encounter (because the New Testament, represented by the Baby Jesus, encountered the Old Testament, represented by Simeon and Anna). Originally, there was no connection between today’s festival and the blessing of candles. In the ancient East, this celebration occurred on February 14, forty days after Epiphany. On February 15, pagans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia , a great “light” festival. Perhaps this is an instance of the Church’s “baptizing” a pagan custom. At the principal Mass, the celebrant blesses candles, and people take part in a candlelight procession. This should remind us that Jesus is our High Priest and the Light of the World.
Purification and redemption ceremonies : The Gospel describes how Joseph, as the head of the Holy Family of Nazareth, presented Mary and the baby Jesus in the Temple of God for the mother’s purification and the child’s “redemption.” According to Leviticus 12:2-8, a woman who bore a child was unclean for forty days following the birth of a son or eighty days following the birth of a daughter. Although Mary, the most holy of women, ever-Virgin, was exempt from these precepts of the Law, because of her miraculous conception, she chose to submit herself to the Law just like any other Jewish mother. Joseph and Mary showed their total submission to Law and obey the norms prescribed by the Old Testament. The custom was practiced probably for the physical and emotional re-integration of the new mother into the community. There was a religious reason as well. Exodus 13:2, 12-13 prescribes that every first-born male belongs to God and must be set apart for the Lord, that is, dedicated to the service of God. However, once divine worship was reserved to the tribe of Levi, first-born who did not belong to that tribe were not dedicated to God’s service, and to show that they continued to be God’s special property, a rite of redemption was performed. The Law also commanded that the Israelites should offer in sacrifice some lesser victim — for example, a lamb or, if they were poor, a pair of doves or two pigeons. The Book of Numbers 18: 15 taught that since every Jewish firstborn male child belonged to Yahweh, the parents had to “buy back” (redeem), the child by offering a lamb or turtledoves as a sacrifice in the Temple. The price of redemption for a human baby is five shekels of silver (Num 18:15-16). Jesus never needed to be “bought back,” as he belonged wholly to the Lord, but Joseph kept these laws as an act of obedience to God.
The encounter with Simeon and Anna : By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the old, pious and Spirit-filled Simeon and Anna had been waiting in the Temple for the revelation of God’s salvation. The Greek Church celebrates the Hypapánte or Feast of the Encounter commemorating the encounter of the New Testament represented by Jesus with the Old Testament represented by Simeon and Anna. Simeon, who is described as a righteous and devout man, obedient to God’s will, addresses himself to our Lord as a vassal or loyal servant who, having kept watch all his life in expectation of the coming of his Lord, sees that this moment has “now” come, the moment that explains his whole life. When he takes the Child in his arms, he learns, not through any reasoning process but through a special grace from God, that this Child is the promised Messiah, the Consolation of Israel, the Light of the nations. Simeon recognizes Jesus as the Lord’s anointed one, and in his prayer of blessing he prophesies that Jesus is meant to be the glory of Israel and the light of revelation to the Gentiles. Pope Francis: “Simeon took him in his arms and thanked God that he had finally “seen” salvation. Anna, despite her advanced age, found new vigor and began to speak to everyone about the Baby. It is a beautiful image: two young parents and two elderly people, brought together by Jesus. He is the one who brings together and unites generations! He is the inexhaustible font of that love which overcomes every occasion of self-absorption, solitude, and sadness. In your journey as a family, you share so many beautiful moments: meals, rest, housework, leisure, prayer, trips and pilgrimages, and times of mutual support… Nevertheless, if there is no love then there is no joy, and authentic love comes to us from Jesus. He offers us his word, which illuminates our path; he gives us the Bread of life which sustains us on our journey.”
Simeon’s prophecy: Simeon’s canticle (verses 29-32) is also a prophecy. It consists of two stanzas: the first (verses 29-30) is his act of thanksgiving to God, filled with profound joy for having seen the Messiah. The second (verses 31-32) is more obviously prophetic and extols the divine blessings which the Messiah is bringing to Israel and to all men. The canticle highlights the fact that Christ brings redemption to all men without exception — something foretold in many Old Testament prophecies (cf. Genesis 22:18; Isaiah 2:6; 42:6; 60:3; Psalm 28:2). While Simeon blessed Mary, he warned her that her child would be “ a sign of contradiction, ” and that she would be “ pierced with a sword.” Simeon was prophesying both the universal salvation that would be proclaimed by Jesus and the necessity of suffering in the mission of the Messiah. Jesus came to bring salvation to all men, yet He would be a sign of contradiction because some people would obstinately reject Him — and for this reason He would be their ruin. But for those who would accept Him with faith, Jesus would be their salvation, freeing them from sin in this life and raising them up to eternal life. The Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph marveled, but not because they did not know who Christ was. They were in awe at the way God was revealing Him.
The paradox of blessedness: Mary was given the blessedness of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a sword which would pierce her heart as her Son died upon the cross. The words Simeon addressed to Mary announced that she would be intimately linked with her Son’s redemptive work. The sword indicated that Mary would have a share in her Son’s sufferings. Her suffering would be an unspeakable pain which would pierce her soul. Our Lord suffered on the cross for our sins, and it is those sins which forged the sword of Mary’s pain. Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross of sorrow. But her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, and trust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples, “no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or pain and which neither life nor death can take way. Do you know the joy of a life fully surrendered to God with faith and trust? According to Dr. Scot Hann, the feast we celebrate shows a curious turn of events. The Redeemer is redeemed. She who is all-pure presents herself to be purified. Such is the humility of our God. Such is the humility of the Blessed Virgin. They submit to the law even though they are not bound by it.
Anna’s encounter with the Lord and her testifying to the Messiah: Anna was an eighty-four-year-old widow who spent her days in the Temple in fasting and prayer, waiting for the promised Messiah. She was rewarded with the joy of seeing her Redeemer as a Baby. In her excitement, she praised God and introduced the Infant to others around her as the expected Messiah. Supernatural hope grows with prayer and age! Anna was pre-eminently a woman of great hope and expectation that God would fulfill all his promises. She is a model of godliness for all believers as we advance in age. Advancing age and the disappointments of life can easily make us cynical and hopeless if we do not have our hope placed rightly. Anna’s hope in God and His promises grew with age. She never ceased to worship God in faith and to pray with hope. Her hope and faith in God’s promises fueled her indomitable zeal and fervor in prayer and the service of God’s people. We grow in hope by placing our trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and relying not on our own strength, but on the grace and help of the Holy Spirit. After completing the presentation and redemption of baby Jesus and the ritual purification of Mary and the meeting with Simeon and Anna, Joseph and Mary understood more fully their responsibility before God to protect the child as they return to Nazareth
Life messages : 1) Every Holy Mass in which we participate is our presentation. Although we were officially presented to God on the day of our Baptism, we present ourselves and our dear ones on the altar before God our Father through our Savior Jesus Christ at every Holy Mass. Hence, we need to live our daily lives with the awareness both that we are dedicated people consecrated to God and that we are obliged to lead holy lives.
2) We need the assistance of the Holy Spirit to recognize the presence of Jesus in ourselves and in others: All those who, like Simeon and Anna, persevere in piety and in the service of God, no matter how insignificant their lives seem in men’s eyes, become instruments the Holy Spirit uses to make Christ known to others. In His plan of redemption, God makes use of these simple souls to do much good for all mankind. In other words, The Holy Spirit employs ordinary men and women with simple faith as His instruments to bear witness to Christ, His ideals and teachings, just as He used Simeon and Anna. The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to us when we are receptive and eager to receive Him. Let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit within us to recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord with us and in others. (Fr. Antony Kadavil)
the presentation of jesus in the temple bible verse
The Gospel of Luke 2:22–39 relates that Mary was purified according to the religious law, followed by Jesus’ presentation in the Jerusalem temple, and this explains the formal names given to the festival, as well as its falling 40 days after the Nativity.
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Jesus’s origins (matthew 1–2) as cultural trauma.
1. Introduction to Cultural Trauma
2. the nature of the pain and the nature of the victim in the story, 3. reading with the original audience: the nature of the pain and of the victim, 3.1. the death of the messiah, 3.2. the destruction of the temple, 4. relation of the trauma victim to the wider audience, 4.1. rachel weeping, 4.2. ‘his people’, 4.3. ‘god with us’, 5. attribution of responsibility, 5.1. who is responsible for jesus’s death, 5.1.1. the political authority representing rome, 5.1.2. jerusalem’s religious authorities, 5.1.3. the people of jerusalem, 5.2. who is responsible for the destruction of the temple, 6. a trauma narrative read in the 21st century, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.
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( ) notes that ‘most explorations of trauma within biblical studies have centred on the experiences of the Babylonian Exile’. This article aims to shed light on how a trauma theory approach might respond to a gap in research that Garber correctly identifies: ‘What traumatic experiences or memories might have given rise to the literature shaped in this period leading up to the Maccabean revolt, the emergence of Christianity, or the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE?’ ( ).
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( ) argue that ‘Trauma studies affirm the importance of creating a trauma narrative, a coherent narrative capable not only of processing past trauma but also of fostering resilience against further traumatization’.
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( ), who discusses the difference between individual and communal responses to texts that deal with trauma.
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( ) introduce this concept: ‘while diverse approaches and perspectives are contained within this overall trajectory, which we have chosen to call “Matthew within Judaism,” the common ground that may be identified understands the Matthean narrative and the context in which it was produced—its inception history—not as something to be understood against the background of Second Temple Judaism, but as an expression of it’.
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( ) states, ‘Crucifixion was empire-imposed trauma intended to shatter anyone and any movement that opposed Rome’.
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( ). She concludes that ‘it seems possible, perhaps even likely, that the destruction of the temple in 70 CE was experienced and understood as traumas by at least some Jewish followers of Christ, especially if, as many scholars now argue, such Jews did not yet position themselves outside of and over-against other Jews’. ( ) argues that destruction of the Jerusalem Temple was one of the traumatic events that likely lie behind the Gospel of John.
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). The Christian proponents of this theology where clearly not traumatized by this event in the way that first century Palestinians followers of Christ could have been. ( ) ‘The lament penned by the author of 2 Baruch compares for pathos with any found in the Hebrew Bible. The absence of Zion, according to the author, rendered all the actions of man and nature irrelevant as the point to which they tended, namely the sacrificial cult of the temple, had ceased to require them. Let the farmers refrain from sowing and reaping as the first fruits will no longer be offered in the temple. Let the vine no longer produce grapes as the offering of wine will not continue. Indeed, all the happiness of brides and bridegrooms had come to an end; nor need they bring forth children, for the barren had greater claim to rejoice now.’ (2 Bar. 10.6–19). ). This avoidance of direct treatment of with the destruction of the Jerusalem can be seen as a sign of trauma. Second Temple literature such as 2 Baruch indicates the destruction of Jerusalem as an important and bitter loss.
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( ) proposes a similar interpretation: ‘To what “massacre” Matthew alludes to? That of Bethlehem’s babies or rather—in a veiled form—to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE? (…) I think that the destruction of 70 was the “real massacre of innocents”’.
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( ) proposes a convincing political interpretation of this verse.
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( ) suggests that v.23 modifies our interpretation of v.21. The people of Jesus can be seen as those who call him Emmanuel and recognize the presence of God in him.
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( ) sees the oppression experienced by Jesus and his followers as connected in the cultural trauma expressed in Mark’s Gospel. ‘The suffering and dispossession experienced by Jesus might have triggered a cultural trauma claim, when realizing that the same Empire that killed Jesus had also disposed them of their land, and just as Jesus had lost friends, their kinship solidarity had also disintegrated. By associating the brutal story of Jesus with their own experiences, it demonstrated for the peasants that losing land is not simply losing material property; instead, it equals gruesome violence that threatens death and the end of a community. The realization that they too might face death due to deprivation and hunger might have triggered a sudden panic, knowing that, like Jesus, their demise was instigated by the same Roman Empire’.
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( ) shows the tragic massacre as a form of criticism of the abuse of imperial power: ‘Matthew’s citation of Jer 31.15 in conjunction with Herod’s infanticide would have evoked in the minds of the Jewish Christian audience, who directly or indirectly would have experienced another fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, a highly complex set of emotions.’.
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5.412; Tacitus, Historiae 5.13.
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( ) proposes that we view the infancy stories in Matthew 2 as a proleptic Passion narrative. The link between the infancy and Passion narratives in Matthew is described in ( ).
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, December 23 (2017); Joan E. Taylor, ‘Jesus Was a Refugee’, (accessed on 28 November 2017); Alice Camille, ‘Was Jesus a refugee?’, U.S. Catholic 82/8 (2019), p. 49.
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; ). Surprisingly, the image is even used to express feelings about interspecies grief distress such as the treat of extinction of the great blue heron Steven Salido Fischer, “Amid threat of extinction, remember today’s ‘holy innocents’ who couldn’t take flight” NCR 27 December 2022, (accessed on 28 June 2023).
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Doane, S. Jesus’s Origins (Matthew 1–2) as Cultural Trauma. Religions 2024 , 15 , 956. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15080956
Doane S. Jesus’s Origins (Matthew 1–2) as Cultural Trauma. Religions . 2024; 15(8):956. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15080956
Doane, Sébastien. 2024. "Jesus’s Origins (Matthew 1–2) as Cultural Trauma" Religions 15, no. 8: 956. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15080956
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A midyear look at temple milestones for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
In 2024, 9 houses of the lord dedicated and 7 more scheduled, 6 groundbreakings and 5 more scheduled and 15 new temples announced so far.
By Scott Taylor
Just a little past the midpoint of 2024, now is a good time to look at this year’s past and upcoming milestone events for the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
That includes nine houses of the Lord dedicated in the first half of 2024 and at least seven more to be dedicated in the year’s second half. That includes six temple groundbreakings in the first half and another five in the next two months alone. And that includes 15 new temple locations announced at April 2024 general conference and possible additional new locations later this year.
And it all starts in August and September — the first four of seven temple media days and public open houses begin in August, five temple groundbreakings will be held in a three-week period between mid-August and early September, and the first two temple dedications follow in the second half of September.
As of July 28, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has:
350 total temples.
195 dedicated temples (through Layton).
7 temples scheduled for dedication.
43 temples under construction (through Santa Cruz groundbreaking).
5 temples scheduled for groundbreaking.
53 temples with published site locations.
47 temples announced but without sites.
Dedications, open houses and media days
To date, nine new houses of the Lord have been dedicated so far in 2024. They are:
Lima Peru Los Olivos Temple , dedicated Jan. 14 by Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Orem Utah Temple , dedicated Jan. 21 by Elder Christofferson.
Red Cliffs Utah Temple , dedicated March 24 by President Henry B. Eyring , second counselor in the First Presidency.
Urdaneta Philippines Temple , dedicated April 28 by President Dallin H. Oaks , first counselor in the First Presidency.
Puebla Mexico Temple , dedicated May 19 by Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Taylorsville Utah Temple , dedicated June 2 by Elder Gong.
Cobán Guatemala Temple , dedicated June 9 by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Salta Argentina Temple , dedicated June 16 by Elder Christofferson.
Layton Utah Temple , dedicated June 16 by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
For the second half of the year, seven temple dedications have been scheduled, with the first two coming in September. Each of the seven dedications will be preceded by media days and public open houses.
The seven houses of the Lord scheduled for dedication over the next five months are:
Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Temple , to be dedicated Sept. 15 by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; the media day is Aug. 12, and the public open house is Aug. 16-31.
Mendoza Argentina Temple , to be dedicated Sept. 22 by Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; the media day is Aug. 19, and the public open house is Aug. 22 to Sept. 7.
Casper Wyoming Temple , to be dedicated Oct. 13 by Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; the media day is Aug. 26, and the public open house is Aug. 29 to Sept. 14.
San Pedro Sula Honduras Temple , to be dedicated Oct. 13 by Elder Renlund; the media day is Sept. 9, and the public open house is Sept. 12-28.
Salvador Brazil Temple , to be dedicated Oct. 20 by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; the media day is Aug. 19, and the public open house is Aug. 22 to Sept. 7.
Deseret Peak Utah Temple , to be dedicated Nov. 10 , with a presiding officer yet to be announced; the media day is Sept. 23, and the public open house is Sept. 26 to Oct. 19.
Tallahassee Florida Temple , to be dedicated Dec. 8 by Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The media day is Oct. 28, and the public open house is Nov. 4-23.
With 195 dedicated temples to date, the Church will reach the No. 200 benchmark this fall. Following the current schedule, the 200th dedicated house of the Lord will be the Salvador Brazil Temple , as of Oct. 20.
The First Presidency could add additional temple dedications either before or after the Salvador dedication, but time is short for the announcement, preparations and then the media day, open house and dedication events.
Groundbreakings and construction
Groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for six Latter-day Saint temples already in 2024, with another five scheduled from mid-August through early September.
The six temples that had groundbreaking ceremonies held already this year from late January through late June are:
Knoxville Tennessee Temple , Jan. 27 , presided over by Elder Shayne M. Bowen , a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the North America Southeast Area presidency.
San Luis Potosí Mexico Temple , March 9 , presided over by Elder Sean Douglas , a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the Mexico Area presidency.
Cleveland Ohio Temple , June 1 , presided over by Elder Vaiangina Sikahema , a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the North America Northeast Area presidency.
Teton River Idaho Temple , June 1 , presided over by Elder Ricardo P. Giménez , a General Authority Seventy and second counselor in the North America Central Area.
Santa Cruz Bolivia Temple , June 8 , presided over by Elder Jorge F. Zeballos , a General Authority Seventy and president of the South America Northwest Area.
Ribeirão Preto Brazil Temple , June 22 , presided over by Elder Joni L. Koch , a General Authority Seventy and president of the Brazil Area.
So far, the five scheduled groundbreakings are:
Austin Texas Temple , Aug. 17 , to be presided over by Elder Michael A. Dunn , a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the North America Southwest Area presidency.
Londrina Brazil Temple , Aug. 17 , to be presided over by Elder Ciro Schmeil , a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Brazil Area presidency.
Santiago West Chile Temple , Aug. 17 , to be presided over by Elder Alan R. Walker , a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the South America South Area presidency.
Cagayan de Oro Philippines Temple , Aug. 31 , to be presided over by Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr. , a General Authority Seventy and president of the Philippines Area.
Wichita Kansas Temple , Sept. 7 , to be presided over by Elder Steven R. Bangerter ,, a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the North America Central Area.
Three-plus months remain after the Wichita groundbreaking for the possible scheduling of additional temple groundbreakings.
At present, 43 temples are considered under construction. Every effort is made to construct temples in an expeditious manner. At times, various reasons may delay a temple’s completion and dedication.
Renovations, rededications and a reopening
Presently, the Church has eight temples closed for renovations — the Salt Lake , San Diego California , Stockholm Sweden , Toronto Ontario , Kona Hawaii , Provo Utah Rock Canyon , Manhattan New York and Orlando Florida temples. The last three all closed earlier this year; the others closed prior to 2024.
In the first half of this year, one historic house of the Lord — the Manti Utah Temple — was rededicated after extensive renovations , with President Russell M. Nelson presiding and offering the rededicatory prayer.
No rededications are scheduled through the end of 2024; the Toronto Ontario Temple will reopen in December later this year.
Sites and renderings
So far in 2024, the First Presidency has made 17 site announcements for new temples worldwide, including a second, updated site for the Tampa Florida Temple that replaces a first site released in October 2022.
Announcements made in the first half of 2024 for other temples were for the following:
In the United States: Jacksonville Florida , Vancouver Washington , Lehi Utah , West Jordan Utah , Des Moines Iowa , Cincinnati Ohio and Springfield Missouri temples.
In Latin America: Cuernavaca Mexico , Cusco Peru and Iquitos Peru temples.
In Europe: Brussels Belgium Temple .
In Africa: Kananga Democratic Republic of the Congo Temple .
In Asia: Jakarta Indonesia , Osaka Japan and Tacloban City Philippines temples.
In the South Pacific: Savai’i Samoa Temple .
As for exterior renderings, 17 is also the number of temples having an exterior rendering released so far in 2024, although no temple had its site and rendering both released in the first half of the year.
Sites are usually released prior to exterior renderings, which can come later — sometimes at the same time a temple’s groundbreaking date is announced.
Exterior renderings released this year were for the following temples:
In the United States and Canada: Bakersfield California ; Lone Mountain Nevada ; McKinney Texas , Lethbridge Alberta and Wichita Kansas temples.
In Latin America and Brazil: Londrina Brazil , Ribeirão Preto Brazil , La Paz Bolivia , Natal Brazil , Teresina Brazil , Santa Cruz Bolivia ; Maceió Brazil , Huehuetenango Guatemala and João Pessoa Brazil temples.
In Europe: Birmingham England and Budapest Hungary temples.
In the South Pacific: Wellington New Zealand Temple .
Temple announcements
Already in 2024, President Nelson has announced 15 new temples , identifying their locations at the conclusion of the April 2024 general conference.
The 15 new temple locations are:
Uturoa, French Polynesia
Chihuahua, Mexico
Florianópolis, Brazil
Rosario, Argentina
Edinburgh, Scotland
Brisbane, Australia (south area)
Victoria, British Columbia
Yuma, Arizona
Houston, Texas (south area)
Des Moines, Iowa
Cincinnati, Ohio
Honolulu, Hawaii
West Jordan, Utah
Maracaibo, Venezuela
Sites have already been announced for four of the 15 just-announced houses of the Lord — the Lehi , West Jordan , Des Moines and Cincinnati temples.
If recent patterns continue, additional temple locations will likely be announced later this year at the October 2024 general conference. President Nelson has announced new temples at each of the 13 general conferences since he became President of the Church in January 2018 — all but one of the 168 temples he has announced have come in a conference setting.
The last time temples were not announced in general conference happened in October 2017, nearly seven years ago.
Holy Mass images...: Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
What Is the Significance of The Presentation of Jesus in The Temple
File:Presentation of Jesus at the Temple by Fra Angelico (San Marco
"The Presentation of the Christ Child in the Temple" Ludovico Carracci
Holy Mass images...: Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
Presentation of Christ in the Temple Painting by Fra Bartolomeo
COMMENTS
Luke 2:22-40 NIV
Jesus Presented in the Temple - When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons ...
Presentation of Jesus
The Presentation of Jesus is an early episode in the life of Jesus Christ, describing his presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated by many churches 40 days after Christmas on Candlemas, or the "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus".
Luke 2:22-35 NET
Luke 2:22-35. New English Translation. Jesus' Presentation at the Temple. 22 Now[ a] when the time came for their[ b] purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary[ c] brought Jesus[ d] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male[ e] will be set apart to ...
Luke 2:21-40 NLT
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple - Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, "If a woman's first child ...
13. The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A L IGHT OF REVELATION TO THE G ENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.". 33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this ...
Presentation of the Lord
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is an eloquent image of the total gift of one's life for all those, men and women, who are called to represent "the characteristic features of Jesus — the chaste, poor and obedient one" (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Vita Consecrata, n.
Presentation at the Temple
Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus at temple When Jesus was just a few weeks old, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him at the temple. Chapter 6: Presentation at the Temple
Timeline Between Presentation in Temple and Flight to Egypt
Learn how the Bible and the Church Fathers narrate the events between Jesus' presentation and his flight to Egypt.
A meditative guide to the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
Place yourself inside the Temple and watch as Mary and Joseph enter to present Jesus to the Jewish priests.
Jesus' Dedication In The Temple
Jesus' Dedication In The Temple Have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit told us about the shepherds at the time of the birth of Jesus? Was it not enough to tell us that Jesus was born? Yet, the Holy Spirit tells us in Luke 2 that an angel appeared to a group of shepherds. We do not know how many shepherds were present or if they were kind, short, or fat. That was not important. God only ...
Luke 2
Simeon and Anna prophesy of Christ's mission.Luke 2:22-3822 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they broug...
Presentation of Jesus in the Temple
In the Roman Catholic Church, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. The event is described in the Gospel of Luke, 2:22-40. According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and ...
Luke 2:22-38 ESV
Luke 2:22-38. English Standard Version. Jesus Presented at the Temple. 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to ...
Life of Mary (VIII): Jesus' Presentation in the Temple
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple can be linked with the Offering of the Sacrifice of Calvary that the Mass makes present in all times and places. This sharing in the mystery of the Redemption was revealed little by little to the Virgin Mary.
Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple
The story of the presentation of Jesus Christ at the temple as told in Luke 2:21-39Music courtesy of: the Madeleine Choir School - http://utmcs.org/ and Lyle...
Presentation of Mary
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known in the East as The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, is a liturgical feast celebrated on November 21 [1] by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglo-Catholic Churches.
The Presentation Of Jesus In The Temple Reflection
The presentation of Jesus in the temple is a story from the Gospel of Luke that occurs during Jesus' childhood. In this story, Mary and Joseph take 7-year old Jesus to the temple, where he is to be blessed by the priests.
Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the
The Armenian Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Moscow on the Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple.Տյառնընդառաջի նախատո...
Category : Churches of the presentation of Jesus Christ at the Temple
Category: Churches of the presentation of Jesus Christ at the Temple in Moscow. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Subcategories. This category has only the following subcategory. Z. Church of the Presentation of the Lord (Moscow) (3 F)
Saint Basil's Cathedral
The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (Russian: Собор Василия Блаженного, romanized: Sobor Vasiliya Blazhennogo ), known in English as Saint Basil's Cathedral, is an Orthodox church in Red Square of Moscow, and is one of the most popular cultural symbols of Russia. The building, now a museum, is officially known as the ...
Luke 2:22-23 NET
Luke 2:22-23. New English Translation. Jesus' Presentation at the Temple. 22 Now[ a] when the time came for their[ b] purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary[ c] brought Jesus[ d] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male[ e] will be set apart to ...
Jesus's Origins (Matthew 1-2) as Cultural Trauma
How do we speak of God after Jesus's death and the Temple's destruction? With a story set in the context of Jesus's origins and birth that includes trauma, Matthew's Gospel helped its original audience to understand these terrible events.
A short history of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Moscow
Christ the Saviour is the tallest Orthodox cathedral in the world, standing at 103 metres (338 feet) above the pavement. The main sanctuary (temple) can fit over 10,000 standing worshipers. Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Moscow.
Luke 2:21-38 NASB
Jesus Presented at the Temple. 21 And when eight days were completed [ a]so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days for [ b]their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him ...
I am Ordained to Rule
I am Ordained to Rule | Morning Glory Service | Sunday 11 August 2024 | AMI LIVESTREAM
A mid-year look at temple milestones for The Church of Jesus Christ of
Just a little past the midpoint of 2024, now is a good time to look at this year's past and upcoming milestone events for the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That includes nine houses of the Lord dedicated in the first half of 2024 and at least seven more to be ...
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Jesus Presented in the Temple - When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons ...
The Presentation of Jesus is an early episode in the life of Jesus Christ, describing his presentation at the Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated by many churches 40 days after Christmas on Candlemas, or the "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus".
Luke 2:22-35. New English Translation. Jesus' Presentation at the Temple. 22 Now[ a] when the time came for their[ b] purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary[ c] brought Jesus[ d] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male[ e] will be set apart to ...
Jesus Is Presented in the Temple - Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, "If a woman's first child ...
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation, 31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A L IGHT OF REVELATION TO THE G ENTILES, And the glory of Your people Israel.". 33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this ...
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is an eloquent image of the total gift of one's life for all those, men and women, who are called to represent "the characteristic features of Jesus — the chaste, poor and obedient one" (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Vita Consecrata, n.
Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus at temple When Jesus was just a few weeks old, His parents brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him at the temple. Chapter 6: Presentation at the Temple
Learn how the Bible and the Church Fathers narrate the events between Jesus' presentation and his flight to Egypt.
Place yourself inside the Temple and watch as Mary and Joseph enter to present Jesus to the Jewish priests.
Jesus' Dedication In The Temple Have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit told us about the shepherds at the time of the birth of Jesus? Was it not enough to tell us that Jesus was born? Yet, the Holy Spirit tells us in Luke 2 that an angel appeared to a group of shepherds. We do not know how many shepherds were present or if they were kind, short, or fat. That was not important. God only ...
Simeon and Anna prophesy of Christ's mission.Luke 2:22-3822 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they broug...
In the Roman Catholic Church, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. The event is described in the Gospel of Luke, 2:22-40. According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the baby Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth to complete Mary's ritual purification after childbirth, and ...
Luke 2:22-38. English Standard Version. Jesus Presented at the Temple. 22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord") 24 and to ...
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple can be linked with the Offering of the Sacrifice of Calvary that the Mass makes present in all times and places. This sharing in the mystery of the Redemption was revealed little by little to the Virgin Mary.
The story of the presentation of Jesus Christ at the temple as told in Luke 2:21-39Music courtesy of: the Madeleine Choir School - http://utmcs.org/ and Lyle...
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, known in the East as The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, is a liturgical feast celebrated on November 21 [1] by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some Anglo-Catholic Churches.
The presentation of Jesus in the temple is a story from the Gospel of Luke that occurs during Jesus' childhood. In this story, Mary and Joseph take 7-year old Jesus to the temple, where he is to be blessed by the priests.
The Armenian Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Moscow on the Eve of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Temple.Տյառնընդառաջի նախատո...
Category: Churches of the presentation of Jesus Christ at the Temple in Moscow. From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Subcategories. This category has only the following subcategory. Z. Church of the Presentation of the Lord (Moscow) (3 F)
The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed (Russian: Собор Василия Блаженного, romanized: Sobor Vasiliya Blazhennogo ), known in English as Saint Basil's Cathedral, is an Orthodox church in Red Square of Moscow, and is one of the most popular cultural symbols of Russia. The building, now a museum, is officially known as the ...
Luke 2:22-23. New English Translation. Jesus' Presentation at the Temple. 22 Now[ a] when the time came for their[ b] purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary[ c] brought Jesus[ d] up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male[ e] will be set apart to ...
How do we speak of God after Jesus's death and the Temple's destruction? With a story set in the context of Jesus's origins and birth that includes trauma, Matthew's Gospel helped its original audience to understand these terrible events.
Christ the Saviour is the tallest Orthodox cathedral in the world, standing at 103 metres (338 feet) above the pavement. The main sanctuary (temple) can fit over 10,000 standing worshipers. Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Moscow.
Jesus Presented at the Temple. 21 And when eight days were completed [ a]so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days for [ b]their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him ...
I am Ordained to Rule | Morning Glory Service | Sunday 11 August 2024 | AMI LIVESTREAM
Just a little past the midpoint of 2024, now is a good time to look at this year's past and upcoming milestone events for the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That includes nine houses of the Lord dedicated in the first half of 2024 and at least seven more to be ...