Candlemas

Greetings on this the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Readings: Mal 3:1-4; PS 24:7, 8, 9, 10; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40
Notes: We complete the celebration of the Nativity with the 40 day purification of Mary and the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple.

We call it Candlemas because we are celebrating the Light has come into the world: What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness (Jn 1:4-5).

How many different ways has the Lord presented himself previously?

• Through Angels and Prophets.
• Through Donkeys and Nature.
• Through a burning bush and silent sound.

Prophets
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29).

Burning Bush
There the angel of the LORD appeared to him as fire flaming out of a bush.a When he looked, although the bush was on fire, it was not being consumed. When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to look, God called out to him from the bush: Moses! Moses! He answered, “Here I am.” (Ex 3:2, 4).

Talking Donkey
Then the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that you beat me these three times?” But the angel of the LORD said to him: “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come as an adversary because this rash journey of yours is against my will.(Num 22:28, 32).

Creation
All the earth falls in worship before you; they sing of you, sing of your name!” (PS 66:4).

Light, Silent Sound
Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, Why are you here, Elijah? (1 Kg 19:11-13).

Shepherds too!
Then at 40 days after the nativity and completing the purification, two regular people.

Simeon and Anna. The whole of the expectation of the Jewish people.
And Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the Temple.

Reflection

In Luke’s account, Jesus was welcomed in the temple by two elderly people, Simeon and the widow Anna. They embody Israel in their patient expectation; they acknowledge the infant Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Early references to the Roman feast dub it the feast of Saint Simeon, the old man who burst into a song of joy which the Church still sings at day’s end.

From: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/presentation-of-the-lord/

Also for reference: https://gerrypalermo.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/a-short-teaching-on-the-presentation-of-the-lord.pdf

First reading
And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom you seek.

Responsorial Psalm
Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

Second reading
Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.

Alleluia Verse
A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.

Gospel Portion
Simeon: It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

Simeon took him [Jesus] into his arms and blessed God.

My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.

Simeon blessed them [Joseph and Mary].

Prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (Face of God, Face of the People): She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

Celebrate Jesus!

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry