Two observations stand out from the Presentation of the Lord. The first observation: the humility of the Son of God and His mother by their submission to the Mosaic Law. The Blessed Virgin did not think herself above the Law, and like any other Israelite, performed the rites for her post- natal purification. Even if their son was the long-awaited Messiah, Mary and Joseph did not exempt Jesus from being consecrated to God even though Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.

The second observation: the words of Simeon to God, and to the parents of the Child. To God, Simeon thanked God for making good the promise that he will see Israel's salvation. God keeps God's Word. To Mary and Joseph, alas, ominous words that would frighten any parent: their child was destined for the fall and rising of many in the land; a sword to pierce the mother's heart and the exposing of the secret thoughts of many. What do these words mean? Are we the ones who will rise or fall? What secret thoughts of ours will be exposed?

These questions and more are all part of the wonder and awe that we, the people of God, ask from the moment of the Lord's arrival on earth: What Child is this that is born to us this day? What is our reflection and response to this?