Significance of Pair of Turtle Doves and Two Young Pigeons

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season:  Monday* 

*Gospel :  Luke 2:22-35*

*First Reading : 1 John 2:3-11*

*Responsorial Psalm : 96:1-6*

*Significance of Pair of Turtle Doves and Two Young Pigeons*

*1) Biblical Background: The Law of Purification*

Luke is referring to Leviticus 12:6–8, which prescribes what a woman should offer after childbirth: 

*Normally*: a lamb for a burnt offering and a pigeon or turtledove for a sin offering.

If the family was poor and could not afford a lamb, they were allowed to offer two birds instead.

*Key point*: Mary and Joseph offer the poverty offering.

*2) Significance of the Offering*

*A) Sign of Poverty and Humility*

The offering tells us that Jesus was born into a poor family. They could not afford a lamb.

The Savior of the world enters history not among the wealthy or powerful, but among the lowly.

This fulfills Luke’s broader theme: “He has lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52)

*Relevance*: God chooses to dwell among the poor, not just to help them, but to become one of them.

*B) Obedience to the Law*

Mary did not need purification in a moral sense, and Jesus did not need redemption—but they humbly submit to the Law. Mary obeys the Mosaic Law. Jesus is presented in the Temple like any other firstborn son.

*Relevance*: Holiness does not reject ordinary religious practice; it fulfills it through humility and obedience.

*C) Symbolism of the Two Birds*

The offering includes two birds:

One for a burnt offering (total dedication to God)

One for a sin offering (restoration of relationship)

Even here, there is symbolic depth:

The sacrifice anticipates Jesus’ future self-offering

The birds point forward to the Cross, where Jesus becomes both offering and atonement

*D) God’s Nearness to the Poor*

In the Old Testament, God explicitly makes provision for the poor by allowing an alternative sacrifice.

This reveals: God’s justice is merciful. Worship is not restricted by wealth

*Relevance*: God values the heart, not the cost of the offering.

*3) Theological Reflections*

*A) God Enters History in Hiddenness*

The Messiah arrives quietly: 

No royal sacrifice

No public recognition

Just two small birds

This teaches that God’s greatest work often appears ordinary.

*B) True Worship Is Accessible*

The poor are not excluded from God’s covenant.

Today this reminds us:

Faith is not about impressive offerings

God accepts what we can give, when it is given in love

*C) Mary’s Humility*

Though uniquely favored, Mary:

Does not claim privilege

Does not exempt herself

Walks the path of ordinary believers

Her purification becomes an act of solidarity with humanity.

*D) A Foreshadowing of the Cross*

The offering of birds prefigures the moment when:

No animal will be offered

The Son himself will become the sacrifice

From the Temple to Calvary, Jesus’ life is one continuous offering.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*