Collect and Readings for The Presentation of Christ in the Temple or the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany – Malachi 3:1- 5, Psalm 24, Hebrews 2:14-end, Luke 2:22-40
The Prayer for today Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The second of February marks the Feast of Candlemas also known as the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. I believe it is a good time to assess how we depend upon and trust God in our daily lives. Simeon and Anna are two people referenced in the Gospel, in addition to the examples provided to us by Mary and Joseph, who live their daily lives based upon complete trust in and dependence upon God. Simeon and Anna are rewarded by having the opportunity to personally witness in person that long awaited Messiah.
This is a good lesson for us in our daily lives. When we rely upon ourselves, as opposed to God, we find that it is easy to become frustrated and angry during the difficult times in our lives. However, when we turn our lives over to God completely, and depend upon God in our day-to-day lives, we are rewarded, like Simeon and Anna, with the feeling of God's presence in our daily lives when moments become challenging.
I acknowledge that this is often easier said than done, because we tend to be prideful and think we are strong enough to handle anything that comes our way. Yet, God calls us, and is always there for us to trust and depend upon Him to lead us in our lives. Those times we can do this are the times when we feel most at peace given that we sense the presence of God in everything we do and in everything that comes our way in life.
Why do you think Anna and Simeon immediately recognised the Christ child?
How do you think that Anna and Simeon and Joseph and and trust him in their daily lives?
What will it take for us to stop being so independent and learn to rely on God?
How do we make time in our busy lives to hear and feel the presence of God, wrapping around us and making us safe and secure?
God bless and stay safe and well.
Rev'd Fiona Robinson