February and Presentation

February 02, 2026 Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Daily Readings: Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 2:22-32
 

Children of God: February gets its name from an ancient Roman festival called Februa, a time devoted to purification and cleansing. 

In the old Roman calendar, February was once the last month of the year, a season meant for washing away what was old before something new could begin. 

Rituals during Februa focused on purification rites for homes, fields, and even relationships. It was a pagan attempt to reset life and restore balance. Cleansing was seen as necessary before renewal. 

The idea was simple: you cannot move forward without being purified first. 

History reminds us that human beings have always longed for renewal. Even before Christianity, people sensed the need to be made clean. 

That longing was real, but incomplete. For Christians, February is no longer about ritual cleansing alone but about the Presentation of the Lord, where true purification enters the world in the person of Jesus.

Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple to follow the regulations of the Jewish law. In this presentation, Simeon recognizes that this child is the fulfillment of every human longing for renewal. 

What are our inspirations for today?

First, purification becomes meaningful when it is rooted in obedience and trust.

Mary and Joseph observe the law of Moses by presenting Jesus and offering sacrifice (Luke 2:22-24). Their obedience is quiet and ordinary.

Purification here is not about removing dirt but about surrendering what is most precious. They bring their child, trusting that God’s plan is greater than their own understanding. Obedience becomes an act of love rather than obligation.

This challenges modern believers who often want renewal without surrender. 

True purification happens when we entrust our lives, plans, and fears to God. 

Second, true renewal comes when we recognize Jesus as God’s saving light.

Simeon, guided by the Spirit, sees in the child the salvation prepared for all peoples (Luke 2:30-31). He calls Jesus a light for revelation to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). Light here means clarity, direction, and hope.

Unlike pagan rituals that repeat endlessly, this moment completes the long search for renewal. Simeon does not ask for another sign because he has seen the fulfillment. Encountering Christ brings peace that rituals alone cannot give.

This recognition invites believers to see faith as encounter. Renewal happens when Christ is welcomed as light in our darkness. The Presentation reminds us that salvation is not an idea but a person.

Children of God: The month of February reminds us that humanity has always searched for purification and renewal. The gospel shows that this search finds its answer in Christ.