(2nd February 2014; Feast of the Presentation of the Lord)
Background:
The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on the 2nd of February every year. This year, it fell on a Sunday. The Presentation celebrates baby Jesus being presented by his parents in the temple. This was in obedience to an ancient regulation where God asked all Israelite parents to 'redeem' their first born sons from Him. It was in remembrance of God saving the first born sons of the Israelites during the passover in Egypt.
The first reading is from Malachi and speaks of the Lord suddenly appearing in the temple and purifying His people so they make offerings in righteousness to the Lord.
The second reading, from Hebrews, speaks of Christ the High priest who became like us in every way to save us and thus is able to help us when we are tempted.
The Gospel presents the Presentation narrative.
Honestly, it was the first time I'd ever really thought of the Presentation. And it occurred to me that although God required a physical circumcision and purification in the past, He requires spiritual circumcision and purification of us. And He is the one to do it. That's where the prayer/poem came from. I pray it's a blessing.
Purify me LORD!
Circumcise me,
through and through,
Cleanse me wholly,
that I may be yours
and yours alone.
That, as your temple,
I may offer
pleasing and acceptable sacrifices
to you.
Circumcise me, high priest,
Purify me; circumcise me
that I may be clean and reflect you only.
Angela Azumah Alu (February, 2014)
Image courtesy of: http://www.womenofgrace.com/blog/?p=19086
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