The Presentation: Watchmen, Widows, and the Go’el

When Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the Temple, they fulfill the Law of Moses, yet what unfolds goes far beyond legal obligation. In Simeon’s words, we find echoes of the watchmen of Israel, standing vigil for the Lord’s arrival and Anna, with her years of prayer, embodies widowed Israel longing for redemption. At the heart of the story is the go’el, the kinsman-redeemer tasked by the Book of Leviticus with restoring family and land. Coming suddenly to his Temple as our first reading predicts, Jesus shows himself to be this bridegroom redeemer. (Mass Reading for Feb 2, 2025) /// Join Katie's Jubilee Pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi this December: https://kptz.io/rome