Receive
In those days, according to the Mosaic law, both the mother and the infant were to be presented in the temple 40 days after the birth. The presentation signified a ritual purification/ cleansing of the mother. (Although not specifically mentioned these 40 days have to do with the menstruation cycle of a woman after birth.) For the male child, it was a ritual dedication of the child to God. “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord…”
Today, the presentation of a child is the baptism of the child in the church. When our infant son was due to be baptized, we requested that he be baptized in our home, within a gathering of our family and friends. All were excited for a grand celebration. Another child, a brother, another grandchild, another great-grandchild! In truth, it had nothing to do with offering the infant to God. Upsetting our plans, we were told that a baptism had to be performed in a church in the midst of the entire community, not merely the family. Baptism is meant to be a joyful communal celebration, rejoicing in the Lord. In celebratory memory of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. This baptism ended with a grandfather releasing a handful of helium balloons.
Recalling the many baptisms I have witnessed and several I have been a participant, I vividly recall one in particular. After the priest had baptized the infant at the font at the entrance of the church, the father took his infant son and, raising him high above his shoulders so all could see, he exuberantly strode down the center aisle as the community enthusiastically stood, clapped & cheered, welcoming this infant into the community of faithful. It was the most sacred and joyful “presentation” I have ever witnessed. The proud father presents and the rejoicing community receives this infant in the name and presence of God.
Today, Luke tells us of a different presentation and reception - yet equally joyful in a milder manner. An elderly man, “Simeon… righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him…”. The Spirit revealed, and Simeon recognized the infant as “Christ of the Lord”. As did the priest in the church, Simeon “…took (received) him (Jesus) into his arms and blessed God… (saying) Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace….” Rejoicing in the presence of God, Simeon was ready to die. God had fulfilled Simeon’s greatest desire - to see the Lord.
Along with Simeon, in the temple was a woman in her 80”s. Luke tells us, Anna “never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying….coming forward at that very time, she (Anna) gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Ostensibly, this reading from Luke is about the infant Jesus being dedicated to God in the temple. Praying with this passage, possibly it is also about recognizing and receiving the presence of “Christ of the Lord” as did Simeon and Anna. I invite us to pray with this scripture and meditate on what it means to recognize and receive Jesus. When, where, and who has entered my life, revealing the presence of Jesus, of God? In the temple, Jesus was presented to all of us. How do I rejoice in that? How does my life reflect the joy of Jesus’ presence?
May this year, 2026, bring the fullness of life’s Joy to all.
Joan Blandin Howard
After working and teaching at Creighton for many years, I am officially retired, but hardly so. Having 5 adult children, in-laws, and 11 grandchildren I keep pretty busy! My husband and I spend hours in our garden planting, pruning, dead-heading and of course weeding and mowing! We spend even more time sitting in our garden, delighting in its beauty. The beauty overwhelms me and invities me into a space of en-Joy-ment and gratitude to the Creator and Artist of all. I have much for which to be grateful. I also like to travel, read, write and make art. My ministry of spiritual direction and silent retreats continues.
I count my blessings. You among them.
Initially I thought I was writing for myself. I use the readings as a source of personal prayer. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in prayer, study and preparation. The writing seems to be a natural end product. The wonderful e-mails I receive tell me that I am not writing just for me and they reconfirm my faith in the presence of the Lord, who speaks all languages, permeates untold experiences, and surfaces in the most ordinary of daily delights and disturbing distractions. That the Lord would speak through me is a gift I had not anticipated.
I thank you, the reader and fellow pilgrim, for joining us on our journey. God bless us.
