THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Presentation in the Temple: Lk 2,22-39
This espisode is dominated by the eleven verses describing encounter with Simeon, 2,25-35. Thus his words are an important commentary for the evangelist. The presentation itself takes just a couple of verses, 2,22-24. Twice there and repeated at the end, 2,39, there is the repeated emphasis on the law of the Lord. That the law was properly observed by all those who were involved with the infant Jesus is important for this evangelist.
The characteristic of Luke's Gospel which makes its first appearance in this scene is the pairing of a man and a woman. Here we find Simeon is followed by the appearance of Anna (2,36-38).
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The Presentation of Jesus: 2,22-24
We find two themes intertwined in these three verses descrbing the presentation itself. The outer theme refers to the purification of Mary - verses 22a and 24 tell of this purification. As required by Lev 12,8, purification of the mother needed the sacrifce of the two pigeons. This was the sacrifice of the poor.
In the middle though is the presentation of Jesus the first born. As first born Jesus is dedicated to God, Exodus 13,2. The first born could be bought back (redeemed) for five shekels (Numbers 3,46-47).
This however is not said of Jesus. Jesus is not redeemed; he remains therefore dedicated to God (like Samuel, 1 Sam 1,28).
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Simeon: 2,25-35
Simeon is described in terms which mean he is highly reliable. He is righteous and devout. Like Elizabeth and Zechariah in the first chapter, Simeon is filled with the Holy Spirit who is mentioned three times in three verses. Thus he is well qualified to accept that this child is the longed for Messiah. The consolation of Israel introduces the 2nd part of Isaiah (Is 40,1), the call back from exile. Verse 26 makes clear that the sight of this consolation was promised to him and guided by the Spirit (verse 27) it is now being fulfilled.
In verse 27 we note once again the emphasis on the parents of Jesus fulfilling the law.
Simeon therefore takes the child in his arms before he blesses or gives praise to God.
In verse 29, the references to Genesis 15,15 and Tobit 11,9 speak of the deaths of Abraham, in peace, and Tobit's mother Anna respectively.
Salvation is an important theme in these chapters. We have heard of the Saviour, for example, in the other canticles, 1,47 (the Magnificat) or 1,69 (the Benedictus) and the angelic proclamation (2,11).
Is 40,5 and Is 52,10 both come from the part of Isaiah already mentioned, the book of the consolation of Israel.
Verse 32 picks up the note of universal salvation is present (Ps 117,2 for example) even though Israel are a small and insignificant people. My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples says Isaiah (Is 56,6-7).
Verse 32 then continues the allusions to the second part of Isaiah. Is 49,6 comes from one of the servant songs. Originally the servant would have been the people of Israel but in a special way the servant comes to a focus in Jesus.
In a similar way, the divisions which Jesus' ministry will cause in Israel will come to a particular focus in the sword that will pierce Mary's soul (2,34-35).
Anna: 2,36-39
The appearance of Anna is the first time that male and female characters are paired. As with Simeon so again Anna's piety is stressed. We have already seen an elderly couple with Zechariah and Elizabeth in the first chapter. In Acts 2,17 Peter quotes the prophet Joel telling of sons and daughters prophesying. Anna is also the first widow in this Gospel which will feature a number of widows.
In verse 39, the whole episode is concluded with the return to Nazareth "having fulfilled all the commands of the Law" as stated at the beginning. Nazareth as the hometown has already been mentioned several times.
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