When God of Moses brought the last disaster to Egyptians, all the firstborn males, either human or animal, were killed. Only Hebrews avoided the divine punishment by the blood of lambs on their doorposts. They had to redeem their firstborn males by the sacrifice of the lambs. It became a part of the Jewish ritual laws. Jewish parents redeemed their firstborn sons at the Temple after 40 days of birth. Thus, this presenting a firstborn male child means receiving them back by sacrifice.

Another name of this day is the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All mothers who have given birth to a male child were considered ritually unclean for 40 days and had to purify themselves at the Temple in Jerusalem. The Blessed Virgin also followed this law.

Now, either Jesus or Mary didn’t have to follow these ritual laws. First, Jesus himself was the redemptive sacrifice for all humanity from sins. Second, the Blessed Virgin Mary kept her perpetual virginity at the conception of Jesus and at her giving birth to him as well. She never became ritually unclean by blood.

Nevertheless, both of them showed their solidarity with their people. They didn’t claim their prestige or privilege or status but bore the burden of life with the poor. The sacrifice of a pair of doves was for the poor people. The regular offering was a lamb.

This day also celebrates the world day for consecrated life. Members of religious orders and communities renew their vows today. The clergy should also refresh their dedication to the Lord this day. As the Son of God and his Mother shared all human burdens, the clergy and the religious should not be afraid of bearing them. The more closely united to Jesus a priest or religious becomes, the more willingly he will share the burdens of life.