Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

February 2, 2026

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord! A feast day seemingly filled with contradictions, good news, and bad. Certainly, Immaculate Mary did not require purification, however she faithfully fulfilled the law of Moses. In this moment, the Holy Family demonstrates the virtues we are called to emulate through their perfect example — patience, purity, obedience, poverty, and, above all, humility — in all areas of our lives. It also becomes clear that within this family of Jesus, there will be times of joy and suffering.

The Gospel tells us that Mary and Joseph were ‘amazed’ at the encounter with Simeon, as he blessed the baby Jesus and proclaimed him as salvation, light, and glory for Jews and Gentiles alike. As parents, they must have been filled with joy until Simeon continued to speak of their beloved Son as the rise and fall of many, and that Mary would be pierced by a sword. We can certainly relate in some small way to all the ups and downs that life may bring from moment to moment.

We too stand amazed, humbled, and grateful that God gifted us ‘the Word made flesh’ through an earthly holy family that we may emulate as adopted sons and daughters of God during our unpredictable journey. In every Mass, Jesus is presented to the Father on our behalf and for our redemption through him, with him, and in him. The Eucharist is a sublime mystery that harkens back to the infant Christ being offered back to His very own Father on this feast day.

Through each worthy reception of the Most Holy Eucharist, we become living tabernacles of the same Jesus Christ!

As you “present” yourself to the world, are they able to see the Christ child within you?

Let us Pray:

Thank you, Father, for the gift of our daily bread, the gift of your Son, fully present until the end of time. Help us to be more like Him every day and to do your perfect and holy will. Please forgive our failings and help us to arise when we stumble and be stronger in our resolve so that one day we may behold your glorious light and love, forever and ever. Amen.