Beloved brothers and sisters, our Lord Jesus Christ is today presented/dedicated to God in the temple. This practice is based on the regulation of the law. The purification and presentation of the first child is a Mosaic law “every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the child” (Ex 13:2). This ceremony is based on the understanding that a child is a gift from God. Prophet Micah had foretold the presentation of Jesus Christ. He said in our first reading: “I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.” In the gospel, Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus, for presentation. They brought 2 pigeons, an option for a family with limited financial resources, instead of a lamb and a pigeon. During the presentation they encountered the Spirit-endowed Simeon a faithful, devout and upright man who was given the honor and privilege to see Jesus Christ. He said: “Now master you may let your servant go in peace.” Part of the Divine Office night prayer is called Nunc Dimittis. With the presentation, his mission has been completed and hope fulfilled and yet God’s salvation embodied in the child is universal in scope. Simeon warns Mary that she would have to endure suffering as she watched him moving toward his destiny, the Cross. Simeon and Anna: It pays to persevere in worshiping God and doing good; in being upright and faithful to God. There is always divine favor/reward for faithfulness/fidelity to the will of God. We do not serve God in vain. God sees our efforts and dedication and will bless and bestow his favor at his time. The same for Anna advanced in age, a widow for years till 84. She never stopped going to the temple to pray and to fast. Both Simeon and Anna teach us the value and blessings of fidelity to God. They are true models of Christian piety and perseverance. “Anna never ceased to worship, fast and pray. She spent a lot of her time in the temple/church in prayer. The church is our mother in faith. Old age did not stop Anna from going to the house of God. Mary and Joseph: They went up to present the child Jesus because the law of God demands it. They were guided by, or obeying and following, the command of the law of God. They teach us how to be good Christian parents. Parents, imitate Mary and Joseph in ensuring that you bring up your children in fidelity/obedience to the teaching of the gospel, the command of God. Guide them to receive appropriate Sacraments and see to it that they are active in service in the Church. Jesus Christ, is presented to God for service: Let us follow him by rededicating ourselves to God in holy, loving and faithful service of God and the church.