Last Updated on October 18, 2022 by GMC
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40
Out of God’s furnace
Adam emerged,
Shining like silver and gold.
Light of the Godhead
Pure from his core
Robed him in Glory Threefold.
When the Goldsmith’s crown jewel drifted away and fell into rust, the treasure hunt began.
Now I am sending my messenger—
Malachi 3:1-4
he will prepare the way before me;
And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple;
The messenger of the covenant whom you desire—
see, he is coming! says the Lord of hosts.
But who can endure the day of his coming?
Who can stand firm when he appears?
For he will be like a refiner’s fire,
like fullers’ lye.
He will sit refining and purifying silver,
and he will purify the Levites,
Refining them like gold or silver,
that they may bring offerings to the Lord in righteousness.
Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem
will please the Lord,
as in ancient days, as in years gone by.
How will the Refiner purify the sons of Levi? The hearts of the Levites were free. Who would step up to the crucible to be dipped and purified?
The Goldsmith had a plan.
Now since the children share in blood and flesh, he likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Hebrews 2:14-18
The Goldsmith’s beloved Son, in whose image Adam was cast, would be born of a Virgin into Adam’s family as priest and king of God Most High. He would do his Father’s will with pure love.
On the eighth day after his birth into the world, the Son of God was presented in the Temple of Jerusalem according to the law of Moses, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord.”
The Holy Spirit who conceived the infant priest-king lit a flame in old Simeon’s heart and brought him swiftly to the Temple. At last, the child he had been waiting for all his life had arrived!
He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
Luke 2:28-32
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
Simeon’s eyes glistened with tears as the eyes of his heart were illumined by Light from Light. Prophetic words issued from his mouth from a source beyond this world:
“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Luke 2:34-35
Mary, Mother of the Light, was destined to join the Goldsmith’s Son in the Refiner’s fire to restore Adam to his immaculate origin. The rust and dross of thoughts, images and desires would be scrubbed and scoured by the lye of the Holy Spirit to release the Uncreated Light.
The kingdom of God is within you.
Luke 17:21
The gray-haired prophetess Anna joined Simeon in rapturous joy, giving thanks to God and proclaiming the birth of their Redeemer to astonished Israelites.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
Luke 2:40
Prior to the final crushing and burning liquidation of the Goldsmith’s Son, Peter, James and John received a glimpse of their humanity transfigured in Uncreated Light.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them… Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Mark 9:2-3, 7
Out of God’s furnace
Adam emerged,
Shining like silver and gold.
Light of the Godhead
Pure from his core
Robed him in Glory Threefold.
-GMC
Dear GMC, as I meditate on your reflection, I am struck at how listening to God is a sacred blessing with the Father’s Beloved Son, his parents, Anna and Simeon. And, I’m reminded of Father Lauder’s Papal insights into listening in this week’s Tablet: listening is an act of love and “can give us a taste of God’s Kingdom.., and the Holy Spirit may take our feeble efforts and use them to sanctify ourselves and others. Thank you, GMC, for enriching our days. Holy Spirit, lead us.
Reblogged this on Nelson MCBS.