In the candlemath with the purification of Mary and the coming out of Jesus

Text by Jason Steidl Jack*, published in New Ways Ministry (United States) on February 2, 2025. Freely translated by the volunteers of the Gionata project

On February 2, the Church celebrates the feast of the presentation of Jesus at the Temple, also known as the purification of Mary or Candelora.

According to the Gospel of Luke (2,22-40), forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph led the child to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and to perform the purification rite prescribed by the law of Moses.

This event marks the meeting of Jesus with Simeone and Anna, two prophetic figures who recognize the promised messiah in him.

The purification of Mary, according to the Jewish tradition, took place forty days after childbirth, a period during which the mother was considered impure and had to undergo a ritual of purification.

Although Mary was the Mother of God, she humbly subjected himself to this law, showing her obedience and humility.

In this party, we can reflect on the concept of "coming out" (reveal), a term often associated with the experience of LGBTQ+ people who openly declare their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Just as Jesus was presented in the temple, revealing himself in the world, the "coming out" also represents a moment of revelation and authenticity. It is an act of courage that leads to a new self -understanding and a deeper relationship with others and with God.

The presentation of Jesus invites us to consider the importance of being authentic and of living our truth with courage. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, presenting him to the world, despite the possible misunderstandings or judgments. In the same way, we are called to present ourselves to the world in our authenticity, trusting in the grace of God and in his welcome.

In addition, the figure of Simeone, who awaited the coming of the Messiah with hope, reminds us of the importance of the confident waiting and hope. Simeone recognized the Savior in Jesus and proclaimed that he would be "light to illuminate the people" (Luke 2,32). This light also illuminates our lives, guiding us towards truth and love.

In conclusion, the feast of the presentation of Jesus and the purification of Mary offers us the opportunity to reflect on our call to live authentically, to reveal our true identity and to trust in the light of Christ that illuminates our path.

That we can, like Mary and Joseph, introduce ourselves to the world with courage and faith, knowing that we are loved and welcomed by God.

*Jason Steidl Jack is a gay Catholic theologian and Assistant Teaching Professor of religious studies at St. Joseph's University in New York. He is the author of the book LGBTQ CATHOLIC MINISTRY: PAST AND PRESENT, published by Paulist Press.

Original text: Presentation of Jesus, Purification of Mary, and... Coming out