THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE (YEAR A)
Introduction
Today’s feast day has themes of presentation, purification, meeting, and light for the world. Luke’s emphasis is on obedience to the law, and the fulfilment in Jesus of the hopes expressed by the prophets. While the coming of God’s chosen one will also bring pain and division, the message is one of redemption and hope.
Sentence
My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
Luke 2.30-32
Collect
Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only Son was presented in the temple in accordance with the law, so we may be dedicated to you with pure and clean hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
or
Christ our cornerstone, you were recognised at your presentation in the temple as a sign of hope for the world, but also as a stumbling-block for many: help us so to present ourselves for your service, that, in sharing your scandal, we may become a people acceptable to you. In your name we pray. Amen
Reading Introductions
Malachi 3:1-4. Malachi lived in the 5th century BC when Judaism was being restored after the exile. He has an exalted view of the responsibilities of the priests and is devoted to the temple and the purity of its worship.
Hebrews 2:14-18. The anonymous author of the letter to the Hebrews, develops an elaborate and forceful argument about the fulfilment of Jewish hopes in the Christian gospel.
Luke 2:22-40. The Jewish tradition of consecrating each first born male to God, and the rites of purification after child-birth allow Luke to show Jesus as the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets.
Alleluia, Alleluia
The is the light of revelation to the nations; and the glory of your people Israel
Alleluia!
Post Communion Prayer:
Lord you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna, who did not die until they welcomed the Messiah. May we, who have received these your gifts beyond word, prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes to bring us eternal life; for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Blessing:
Christ the Son of God, born of Mary, fill you with his grace to trust his promises and obey his will; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always.
Copyright
Introduction, A Celebrant’s Guide to the New Sacramentary, Kevin W. Irwin; Pueblo Publishing Company, New York 1977
Collect, A Prayer Book for Australia 1996
Reading Introductions, Ken Booth
Alleluia Verse, The Sunday Missal, 1982
Post Communion Sentence, Church House Publishing 1997
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Year A)