THE WORD THIS WEEKEND

This weekend at Catholic mass the word is obedience.  The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is described by Luke in his Gospel.  Mary and Joseph were obedient to the Jewish law, the Law of Moses, and presented their first born son to God.  Like the non-wealthy people of the time, they offered just two young pigeons and two turtledoves.  This occurred at least 40 days after Jesus' birth. 

Here is the background on the Presentation ceremony.  Wealthy people offered a young lamb at a Presentation.  Mary and Joseph had none at this point thus the birds are what they brought..   As for the timing, Mary was not allowed in the temple until 40 days after giving birth - that was the Jewish law.  She needed to be purified. 

The gist is Mary and Joseph were obedient to the Law - the Law of Moses. 

They didn't have to be. 

You don't have to be. 

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