ISB ~ Luke 2 v22

purification:The birth of a male child disqualifies an Israelite woman from touching any holy object or approaching the Temple for 40 days, after which time she must offer sacrifice in Jeru

salem (Lev 12:1-8). Strictly speaking, these offerings cleanse women of legal impurity and have no connection with moral failures or guilt. Mary here gives the sacrifice of the poor: two “turtledoves”, or two “pigeons” (2:24; Lev 12:8).

• Several Church Fathers hold that Mary had no legal impurity to atone for. She nevertheless conformed herself to the Mosaic Law to avoid scandalizing others. Her submission

was similarto that of Jesus, who was sinless yet received John’s baptism of repentance (Mt 3:13-15).