Homily for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

In our Gospel reading today, St. Luke shares a joyful moment in Jerusalem. A young couple and their infant son meet two elderly people named Simeon and Anna. When Simeon encounters Jesus, he prays aloud, cradling the child in his arms and praising God. His prayer has become part of Compline, the Church's official Night Prayer. 

Anna's response is to tell everyone about Jesus, especially those awaiting a sign of God's favor. Despite their advanced age, these two devout Jewish people exemplify two essential qualities of recognizing God's presence. Simeon raised his heart in prayer while Anna spoke out about Jesus to others. 

Simeon's encounter with the Holy Family led him to God through prayer, and Anna's meeting inspired her to share the Good News. Each teaches us valuable lessons on welcoming the Lord into our lives. We should thank the Lord in prayer, as Simeon did, for the gift of His Son, the Light that illuminates our lives. Like Anna, we are called to proclaim God's gift to others through our words and actions. 

The Lord, who entered His temple as the Light of the World, has also entered our lives. Simeon and Anna guide us on how to respond to His gracious coming.