Presentation of the Lord (Lk 2:22-23) by Dr. Rich Reich

02 Feb Presentation of the Lord (Lk 2:22-23) by Dr. Rich Reich

“The couple brought Him up to Jerusalem so that He could be presented to the Lord, for it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every first-born male shall be consecrated to the Lord.'” ~ Lk 2:22-23 (full readings)
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Rich’s Reflections:  Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus.  This feast emphasizes Jesus’ first appearance in the Temple, where He is presented by Mary and Joseph in accordance with the canons of Mosaic Law.  The presentation of the first-born son was a way of remembering how the Lord freed the Israelites from the slavery of Egypt by killing all the first-born of the Egyptians.  The presentation of the first-born was also an acknowledgment that God owns everything.  That is part of the reason why the Lord called Abraham to sacrifice his first-born, Isaac; the Israelites offered the first fruits of the harvest to the Lord; and in the new covenant, the first day of the week was offered to the Lord, and called the Lord’s Day.  When we present to the Lord the first-born, the first fruits, and the first day, we acknowledge from the very first that the Lord owns not only the first, but the last.  Everything belongs to Him.   “You are not your own” (1 Cor 6:19). 
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Colorado Springs, CO.  Full bio..

Faith Challenge:   On this Feast of the Presentation, acknowledge that your life (your money, time, energy, relationships, abilities, possessions, etc.) belongs to the Lord.  Give yourself to the Lord in service to the unborn.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  Presentation of the Lord
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Faith Quote:  “Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” ~ Canticle of Simeon, Nunc Dimittis, Luke 2:29-32
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Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22