For John and his community, faith and love are inseparable. Jesus commanded us to love one another - even laying down our lives for one another. John makes it very clear that anyone who claims to love God and Jesus but hates their brother or sister is a liar.

Correct belief or theology means nothing if love is absent. Religion is useless if love is absent. In far too many Christian communities, love does not play the prominent role that John envisions. But it all begins with each one of us.

It was love that kept Simeon and Anna coming daily to the temple and spending hours in prayer. They loved God and the people of Israel and were looking forward to the gift of the one who would redeem the land and the people.

Dedication can be a form of love, and these two holy people expressed it well. As Jesus was presented in the temple, He is presented to us each day. We, in turn, can present Jesus to others through our acts of loving kindness.