The Presentation

by David Lins  |  02/02/2020  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

In this weekend’s Gospel, found in the second chapter of Luke, we read of Mary and Joseph bringing baby Jesus back to the temple in Jerusalem after 40 days.

For the presentation, families were to bring a lamb for sacrifice. If they could not afford a lamb, they could bring two turtle doves or pigeons.

We learn here that the Holy Family brought the birds. This reveals the poverty of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. They certainly would’ve purchased a lamb if they were able. They couldn’t. They didn’t have the means.

We’ve often talked about the beautiful humility of our Lord and Savior being born in a cave. Of Jesus taking on the messiness of humanity. Of Jesus allowing himself to be put on trial. Of Jesus allowing humanity to torture him.

But we don’t often pause to contemplate Jesus being born into poverty. What a beautiful, kind, loving, humble God we worship!

And most importantly, a friend (Hey Paul!) made a beautiful observation: while the Holy Family couldn’t afford to sacrifice a lamb on that day, they eventually did exactly that almost 33 years later.

It happened when the Lamb of God—in his ultimate act of humility and love—allowed himself to be sacrificed for our salvation. Beautiful. Kind. Loving. Humble.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.