Holy Family

OFFERER AND OFFERING

He who did not need a ransom, but was born under the Law (cf. Gal 4,4), submits to the Law. Here is the theological framework of today’s gospel episode, which sees Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the Temple for the rite of Pidjon habben or the ransom of a male child, according to the norms of Ex 13,1-12. Luke begins his narration with an unusual point: “When the days of their purification were completed” (Lk 2,22). He amazes us with the use of the plural pronoun «they» (auton) in reference to purification, when we know that the Torah prescribed the ritual only for the mother, 40 days after the birth of a male and 80 days after the birth of a female.  Why then this plural? It must be known that there is a close link between the rites of purification and the rites of expiation, which are compared to those of the Servant of YHWH (cf. Is 53,10). The plural used by Luke shifts the emphasis; it means that purification is nothing other than the offering of life, and refers both to Jesus and to Mary, his mother. Following this line of thought, we find a second important nuance, when Luke writes that Mary and Joseph go up to the temple to present Jesus. The verb paristanai literally means “to stand in front” and in the OT it is used both for the priests who stand before God and for the offering presented. Jesus, then, is at the same time the one offered (by Mary and Joseph, splendid icon of the Church) and the offering (which would bring salvation to Israel). Mary and Joseph were certainly not fully aware of the consequences that would arise from their gesture. However, in their obedience to the Law of the Lord they made possible the revelation of the full and definitive saving love of God, in Jesus.

Commentary by b. Sandro Carotta, osb
Abbazia di Praglia (Italy)

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves,
Prinknash Abbey