Day 6: Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

Lord God, Almighty King: in your hands all things are placed. If you wish to save your people, no one can resist your will. You made heaven and earth and all that is contained in them; you are the owner of all things. Who, then, can resist your majesty? Lord, God of our fathers: have mercy on your people, for the enemies of the soul seek to destroy us and the difficulties that confront us are very great. You have said: "Ask and it shall be given to you. He who asks receives. Whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will grant it to you. But ask with faith." Hear, then, our prayers. Forgive our faults. Turn away from us the punishments we deserve and make our weeping turn to joy, so that, by living, we may praise your holy name and continue praising it eternally in heaven. Amen.

²²When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord" ²⁴and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."

²⁵Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was on him. ²⁶It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. ²⁷Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, ²⁸Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

²⁹"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
³⁰For my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
³²a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel."

³³The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. ³⁴Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be spoken against, ³⁵so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

In the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, Mary and Joseph faithfully fulfill the Mosaic Law, offering their firstborn Son to God. Amid the sacred rituals, the elderly Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the infant as the long-awaited Messiah, the light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. His prophetic words pierce Mary's heart, foretelling joy mingled with sorrow. This moment invites us to reflect on our own encounters with Christ, how often do we, like Simeon and Anna, wait expectantly in prayer, allowing the Spirit to reveal His presence in the ordinary? As we journey through this novena, let us ponder the humility of the Holy Family, entrusting Jesus to the Father even as they embrace their role in salvation history. May this mystery inspire us to present our lives anew to God, seeking purification and offering our joys and sufferings in union with Mary's Immaculate Heart. Through Simeon we are reminded that true peace comes from beholding our Savior; let us pray for eyes of faith to see Him in the Eucharist, in the poor and in our daily trials, drawing closer to the light that dispels all darkness.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.