The Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, known as the "Presentation of Jesus in the Temple", is an event full of profound and symbolic meaning in Christian tradition. This mystery finds its foundation in the Gospel according to Luke (2, 22-38), where it is recounted how Mary and Joseph, as faithful observers of Jewish Law, bring the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, in accordance with the prescriptions of the Law of Moses.
Jewish law prescribed that every first-born male child was to be consecrated to the Lord and a sacrifice offered in his name. Mary and Joseph, respecting this tradition, brought with them an offering of two turtle doves or two pigeons, the offering of the poor, thus underlining their humility and obedience to the divine commandments.
At the Temple, they met Simeon, a righteous and pious man, to whom the Holy Spirit had revealed that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Christ. When Simeon took the child Jesus in his arms, he praised God by uttering the hymn now known as "Nunc Dimittis" or "Song of Simeon". His prophetic words bore witness to the universal mission of Jesus: "My eyes have seen your salvation, the salvation you have prepared before all peoples, the light to enlighten the pagan nations and the glory of your people Israel". With these words, Simeon recognised in Jesus the Messiah, the Saviour of all peoples.
Another key figure in this event is Anna, an elderly prophetess who spent her days and nights in the Temple praying and fasting. When she saw the baby Jesus, she too gave thanks to God and spoke of the child to all those awaiting the deliverance of Jerusalem. Anne's presence underlines the recognition and hope of the people of Israel in the coming of the Saviour.
The mystery of the Presentation in the Temple is rich in spiritual teachings. It invites us to contemplate Mary and Joseph's faithfulness and obedience to God's will, their humility and piety. It also reminds us of the importance of prayer and praise, as shown by the figures of Simeon and Anne. Finally, this mystery underlines the universal mission of Jesus, who came to bring light and salvation to all peoples, without distinction.
In meditating on this mystery, believers are called to renew their own consecration to God, to follow the example of Mary and Joseph in their fidelity, and to recognise the light of Christ that enlightens their lives and that of the whole world.
