Feast of the Presentation – February 2, 2026– Sr. Jo Threlfall, SNDdeN Luke 2: 22-40 Today the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple marks the end of the Christmas Season. It has also been known in the West as “Candlemas” from the sixth century, when blessings and processions of people carrying candles was introduced; to symbolising the spreading the Good News of the Gospel to the whole world. Throughout the Old Testament we read of messengers sent by God to prepare the way for Christ’s coming. Malachi in the First Reading of today says, “Behold I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his Temple.” In this Gospel Reading of today we hear of the fulfilment of this promise and meet several people who help us to understand this message. On arrival in the Temple, Mary and Joseph with their first-born male child Jesus, presented him to God according to the Old Testament custom. They were welcomed by the kind and gentle elderly couple Simeon and Anna, who are unknown to them. Then Simeon was inspired by God to proclaim- “Lord now you […]