In this Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is observed 40 days after the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, reflecting Mary and Joseph’s obedience in taking Jesus to the Temple to offer sacrifice ( Luke 2:22-24).  The elderly Simeon recognizes our Salvation in Christ, a light for revelation to the nations ( Luke 2:30-32).  Pope Francis remarks that Consecrated Religious Life reflects Simeon’s ability to recognize Christ, and to see the truth of what really matters in life. 

Image: Simeon and Anna Praise the Infant Jesus, by Dutch artist Aert de Gelder