The Christian calendar marks a profoundly significant day, often referred to as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Jesus and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This sacred observance commemorates the pivotal moment when the infant Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem by his parents, Mary and Joseph, an event vividly chronicled in the Gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 2:22-40. It is a day that intertwines deeply rooted Jewish law with the dawn of the New Covenant, highlighting both the humility of the Holy Family and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

At its core, this feast day draws directly from the Mosaic Law, particularly the directives found in the Old Testament, in the Book of Leviticus, Chapter 12. This chapter meticulously outlines the ritual purity requirements for women after childbirth. According to these ancient precepts, a mother was considered ritually unclean for a specific period following the birth of a child. For a male child, this period comprised two distinct phases:

• The mother was unclean for seven days, corresponding to the time of the child's circumcision on the eighth day.
• Following these initial seven days, she remained in a state of "blood purification" for an additional thirty-three days. This meant she was not to touch anything sacred or enter the sanctuary until the full forty-day period was complete.

Thus, after a total of forty days following the birth of a son, the mother was required to present herself at the Temple for purification. This ceremony involved offering specific sacrifices to atone for her ritual impurity. The typical offering, as prescribed in Leviticus 12:6, was a one-year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. However, recognizing economic disparities, Leviticus 12:8 provided a compassionate alternative for those who could not afford a lamb: they could offer "two turtledoves or two young pigeons" – one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. This humble offering, chosen by Mary and Joseph, underscores their modest circumstances yet unwavering adherence to the Law.

The Presentation and Prophecy in Luke's Gospel

The Gospel of Luke offers a compelling narrative of this event, enriching it with profound theological significance. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple for the purification rites and to "present him to the Lord," in accordance with the Law that "every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord," they encountered two remarkable figures: Simeon and Anna.

• Simeon: A righteous and devout man, guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon had been promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Upon seeing Jesus, he took the infant in his arms and uttered a beautiful prophecy, known as the Nunc Dimittis, declaring Jesus to be "a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel." He also foretold that Jesus was destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel and that a "sword will pierce your own soul too" – a poignant premonition of Mary's future sorrow.
• Anna: An elderly prophetess who spent her life in the Temple, fasting and praying, Anna also recognized Jesus as the Messiah and began to speak about him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

These encounters transformed a routine observance of the Law into a moment of divine revelation, confirming Jesus's identity as the long-awaited Savior.

Other Names and Enduring Traditions: Candlemas

This holy day is known by several names, reflecting its multifaceted significance across Christian traditions. In many Western traditions, it is widely celebrated as Candlemas. This name originates from the ancient practice of blessing candles on this day, symbolizing Simeon's prophecy of Jesus as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles." Processions with lit candles are a common feature of the liturgy, visually representing Christ as the Light of the World dispelling the darkness of sin and ignorance. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the feast is known as Hypapante, meaning "Meeting" or "Encounter," emphasizing the significant meeting of the Lord with Simeon and Anna in the Temple.

The Feast of the Presentation also traditionally marks the conclusion of the Christmas season in some Christian calendars, forty days after the Nativity. It serves as a beautiful transition, shifting focus from the infant in the manger to the light he brings to the world, setting the stage for the public ministry and passion of Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Feast of the Presentation

When is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord celebrated?

This feast is celebrated annually on February 2nd, exactly forty days after Christmas (December 25th), aligning with the forty-day purification period prescribed in the Law of Moses.

Why is this feast also called Candlemas?

It is called Candlemas because of the tradition of blessing candles on this day, symbolizing Jesus as the "Light of the World," a concept directly inspired by Simeon's prophecy in the Temple.

What is the significance of the "purification of Mary"?

While Mary, being immaculately conceived, had no sin to be cleansed from, her participation in the purification rite demonstrated her humble obedience to the Mosaic Law. It also highlights Jesus's full integration into the human condition and Jewish tradition, even though he was divine.

Where in the Bible can I read about this event?

The primary biblical account of Jesus's presentation in the Temple is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 2:22-40. The Old Testament basis for the purification ritual is detailed in Leviticus 12.