Mass readings, reflections and activities for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
In 2025 the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord falls on Sunday and takes precedence over the Sunday in Ordinary Time. The connection of this feast with candles comes from the eighth century and led to the feast being called “Candlemas”. The procession with lighted candles and blessing of candles to take home will help parishioners to see Christ as the light of the world in the world of their own lives.
Although Christmas season officially ended at the Baptism of the Lord, this celebration is an extension of the Christmas mystery of the Incarnation. Just as the Blessed Virgin spent 40 days contemplating the Divine Fruit of her womb before going to the temple to fulfil the Law, we also explore and live out the fruit of the Incarnation in the period of Ordinary Time leading up to February 2nd. The feast points back to Christmas and leads forward to Easter.
Simeon and Anna place all their hope in God: this elderly man and this elderly woman are both people of prayer, full of faith. Both are given knowledge of the true identity of Jesus. Simeon is also given insight into the passion and suffering that lies ahead, and the sorrow that will pierce the heart of Mary.
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Background on the Gospel Reading Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. The Presentation, which is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, is not mentioned in the other Gospels. Only Luke tells the story, most likely because he writes for Gentile Christians who are not familiar with the Jewish rite of presentation and purification. In addition, the intent of Luke’s Gospel is to show that God’s promise to Israel, fulfilled in Jesus, extends to Gentiles. Luke recognizes Joseph and Mary as faithful Jews who bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Here they present their firstborn son to the Lord. Jesus is thus consecrated as required by the Law of Moses. Present in the temple at this time are Simeon and Anna. Both are awaiting the restoration of God’s rule in Israel. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see Christ the Lord, the Messiah, before he died. The holy man immediately recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Savior, a “light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Anna also recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise of redemption and spoke about him to all. Source: Loyola PressReflections
