Prophetess Anna

Begin in silence…
Close your eyes and sit quietly for a few moments before beginning today’s session. Take some deep breaths and open your hands in a posture of receptiveness before the Lord.

Set the scene…
For today’s scripture reading, we are at the temple in Jerusalem, where Mary and Joseph are presenting Jesus as part of the purification rites required by the law of Moses. Leviticus 12 specifies that a mother who gives birth to a son must wait a total of 40 days to be purified; for the birth of a daughter, the time is doubled to 80 days. After this time, she must present a sin offering and burnt offering to the priest for atonement.

Mary and Joseph offer a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, the sacrifice allowed for those who could not afford a lamb. What a humble offering from the parents of the long-awaited Savior.