The Presentation of the Lord – Feast
First reading Malachi 3:1-4
Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in which we celebrate also the day of Consecrated life. The first reading from the prophet Malachi offers deep insight into the essence of consecration. It reveals that to be consecrated to the Lord means to entrust ourselves fully into His hands, recognizing Him as the divine refiner and purifier. Just as gold and silver must undergo fire to be purified and strengthened, so too must we allow God to cleanse us of all impurities—our attachments, selfish desires, and anything that hinders true holiness. But it also means that there is gold and silver in ourselves. But it needs to be purified. This process requires total surrender, without pretensions or conditions, allowing the Lord to shape us according to His will. Only then, when we have undergone this spiritual refinement, can we truly offer ourselves to Him in the way that is most pleasing. The passage reminds us that consecration is not merely about external commitment but about an interior transformation, where the Lord purifies our hearts so that our lives become an authentic and worthy offering to Him. Let’s reflect: Am I truly allowing God to refine and purify me, surrendering myself fully to His will, or am I still holding onto certain attachments and conditions in my relationship with Him?
Don Giorgio