Today the Church celebrates The Presentation of The Lord - that time when Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple - for Mary's purification rite after giving birth - Jesus's presentation as the First Born child. It was the old people - Simeon - a High Priest of the Second Temple - the God Receiver - and Anna - the Prophetess who was near 84 years old. Simeon's age is not mentioned but viewed as very old - awaiting the presence of the Christ Child. Both Simeon and Anna strong in their faith - very firm in their beliefs - Temple dwellers - providing guidance to the younger members of the Temple community. Staying strong in the face of adversity - weathering the changes of time - being faithful - excellent models for the younger - youthful members. Proving time and again the value of age - sharing wisdom gained only from experiencing life itself - not gained from books - from first had knowledge itself.
That model - seeking wisdom - knowledge - from the senior members of society - still valuable today. Unfortunately - all too many - reinventing the wheel - trying to improve on a model that has stood the test of time. Rather than utilizing the tools already in place - expending so much energy seeking answers to questions that have already been answered. What is being missed - properly utilizing existing tools cast aside. Granted there are new ways to implement - approach the issues - in the end it comes down to effective - efficient utilization of resources already in place. The most effective tool available - the very people themselves - making them understand that they are the answer - they have the power - to accomplish these tasks. Recognizing the value of what you have - giving your best to the Lord - offering oneself in service - solves almost every issue. Today - every day - each of us needs to stop - take stock of what we have to offer - to step up - stand up - step away from the crowd - to go to the altar and present ourselves. Today the Presentation we should be celebrating is our own Presentation to God.
Deacon Dale
That model - seeking wisdom - knowledge - from the senior members of society - still valuable today. Unfortunately - all too many - reinventing the wheel - trying to improve on a model that has stood the test of time. Rather than utilizing the tools already in place - expending so much energy seeking answers to questions that have already been answered. What is being missed - properly utilizing existing tools cast aside. Granted there are new ways to implement - approach the issues - in the end it comes down to effective - efficient utilization of resources already in place. The most effective tool available - the very people themselves - making them understand that they are the answer - they have the power - to accomplish these tasks. Recognizing the value of what you have - giving your best to the Lord - offering oneself in service - solves almost every issue. Today - every day - each of us needs to stop - take stock of what we have to offer - to step up - stand up - step away from the crowd - to go to the altar and present ourselves. Today the Presentation we should be celebrating is our own Presentation to God.
Deacon Dale
