Jesus and his family were devout Jews. So, in accordance with Jewish Law, the infant Jesus, as the first-born male child, was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem to be offered to the Lord. This recognises that every child is a gift from God and ultimately belongs to Him. In the Temple that day was an old man, Simeon, who had been told he would not die until he had seen the Christ, the promised Messiah. In the baby, he recognises the Messiah as one who will be a Light to people everywhere. But there is also a warning for the mother. A 'sword of sorrow' will pierce her heart. Only later will she understand the meaning of that prophecy. But she will stand by her Son to the very end. Today is a day for us to renew the giving of ourselves totally to the service of Christ and, with Mary, to accept whatever pain may come in living out that life.