The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Mal. 3:1-4, Heb. 2:14-18, Lk. 2:22-40. The Feast of the Presentation is also called ‘Candlemas’ because this is the day that all the candles used in the Church throughout the year would be blessed. The devotion to the Child Jesus, the Light of the World, presents Him as one who overcomes darkness. The prophet Malachi in today's first reading speaks of the Lord coming to Jerusalem to purify the Temple as silver is purified by fire. The prophecy warns that nobody can endure the day of the Lord because He will be like a refining fire, purifying the sons of Levi. The author of second reading also proclaims Jesus as our Eternal High Priest of the New Covenant (Heb. 2:17) who replaces the former priesthood. The Lord who entered the Temple in Jerusalem as the light of the world has entered our lives; today we look ONto Simeon and Anna to show us how to respond to His gracious coming.

Today’s Gospel describes a meeting between a young couple and their infant child with Simeon and Anna. Simeon’s response when he met the infant Jesus was to pray; he blessed God: "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Mary and Joseph pondered the words of Simeon wondering what this meant for their child. Anna’s response on meeting the child Jesus was to speak about Jesus to others, especially to those who were waiting for God to visit them in a special way. Simeon and Anna have something to say to us about how to receive the Lord. We are also called to receive the Lord in prayer and in witness. The Presentation of the Lord has two dimensions: The Purification and the Presentation. As a day of purification we celebrate the "World Day of Consecrated Life". Today, we are called to purify ourselves of our prejudices, hatred and disordered affections and to present the love and light of Christ to our world. We bless God, we thank God, in prayer for the gift of His Son, the light to enlighten all nations and we proclaim the gift of God to others, by witnessing to the Lord in our lives, by what we say and do.

May the Lord consecrate us in truth that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit to allow the love and light of Christ to shine through us on our world! Amen!! Good morning and have a terrific day!!!