Let us present ourselves to God

THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, ST. KEVIN’S PASTORAL AREA, KABUSA, ABUJA. HOMILY BY ARCHBISHOP I. A. KAIGAMA, 2ND FEBRUARY, 2025.

READINGS: Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

THEME: Let us present ourselves to God

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple to fulfill what was prescribed by the law as we find in Exodus 13, we are called to reflect on the love that God has for us, in the great Light and Hope that we have received through Christ’s coming into our midst.

This day is also celebrated as the Day of the Consecrated Life. We commend the men and women, especially in the religious life who have offered their lives in selfless service, living out the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

This day is also known as Candlemas Day because in our Church tradition, on this day, the blessing of candles is carried out, a practice drawn from Simeon’s words in the gospel for this feast, in which he prophesied that the child Jesus would become “a light to enlighten the Gentles.” The lighted candles are a reminder of the Light of Christ, our Hope, and our Salvation.

And because He comes, we have the assurance of freedom from the domination and bondage to sin and the evil around us, which only the Lord can free us from.

The second reading from Hebrews chapter two gives us another reason why Jesus had to be presented in the temple. It says:

“It was essential that he should in this way become completely like his brothers so that he could be a compassionate and trustworthy high priest of God’s religion, able to atone for human sins. That is, because he has himself been through temptation he is able to help others who are tempted.”

At the beginning of the eighth century, Pope Sergius inaugurated a candlelight procession; at the end of the same century, the blessing and distribution of candles which continues to this day became part of the celebration, giving the feast its popular name: (Candlemas Day).

On this day, therefore, we are invited to reflect deeply on the profound mystery of God becoming one of us. The readings of today tell a beautiful story of God’s plan for our purification and redemption, highlighting the humility and love with which God enters into our human condition.

The prophet Malachi, in the first reading, announces the coming of the Lord to his temple. This is a moment of great expectation and hope, for the Lord comes not to condemn, but to purify and refine. Malachi uses the imagery of a refiner’s fire and a fuller’s soap to describe this process. It is a powerful reminder that God’s desire is to cleanse and purify us, to make us worthy of His presence.

In the Gospel, we see the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy as Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the temple. This act of presentation is rich in symbolism and meaning. According to the Law of Moses, Mary was required to undergo the rite of purification after childbirth. However, the Gospel speaks of “their purification” (“When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses,”), indicating that Jesus, too, participates in this ritual. This is a profound sign of God’s solidarity with humanity. Jesus, though sinless, subjects Himself to the law, identifying with our human weaknesses and taking upon Himself the burden of our sinfulness. Simeon and Anna, two devout figures in the temple, recognize the significance of this moment. Simeon (whose name means “God has heard,”) inspired by the Holy Spirit, declares that Jesus is the light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. This proclamation echoes the words of the psalmist, “The Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory.” Anna (whose name means “Grace or favour,” too, bears witness to the redemption that Jesus brings, praising God and speaking of the child to all who were looking for redemption.

You, members of the pastoral area of St. Kevin, gathered here with the IDPs in the camp, are a testimony to the reality of life’s challenges and the resilience of faith. This is my first formal pastoral visit to you. I was to come to visit you earlier than today but had to rather go to Maitama parish in the wake of the tragic incident that left 10 people dead and some others injured. I had to go and commiserate with the families of the deceased and the parishioners of Holy Trinity Maitama, who under the umbrella of Saint Vincent de Paul, desired to put smiles on the faces of the hungry during the Christmas celebrations, but ended in such unfortunate tragedy because of the harsh economic situation in our country that has left many people impoverished. It is for the same reason that some of you are here, displaced from your homes and families. Like Simeon and Anna, who waited faithfully for the consolation of Israel, many of you have for many years endured trials, uncertainty, and displacement. Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, you find hope in Christ, who enters into your lives with his comforting presence.

To those of you living in the IDP camp, know that you are not forgotten. We know the civil authorities do not provide effectively your needs. The little we can afford as a Church, which we brought with us, we will leave with your priest in charge, Fr. Innocent Kachalla. Your courage and faith inspire us all. Just as Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, presenting Him to God’s people, so too are we called to present ourselves and our struggles to the Lord. He embraces us in our vulnerability and walks with us through every trial.

On this day we make a procession, carrying in our hands lighted candles into the Church. The candle signifies Jesus. As we reflect on this feast day, let us pray for each other. Let us pray for the strength to continue our journey with faith, hope, and love. May the light of Christ, whom we celebrate today, guide us through the sorrows and darkness of these times, to the joy of His eternal presence.

Let us embrace our call to be agents of His love and purification in our families, societies, in the country and indeed, in the world, bringing hope and light to all we encounter.

Let us work for justice and peace, standing up against corruption and injustice, and advocating for the rights and dignity of all people. Let us also support and uplift one another in our journey of faith, recognizing that we are all part of God’s family, called to reflect His light and glory in the world.

Let us go away from here today with the assurance that God is with us, guiding and strengthening us in our trials.