+ Our feast today, of the Presentation of the Lord and the
Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was
introduced into the Eastern Empire by Emperor Justinian I, and is mentioned in the Western Church in the
Gelasian Sacramentary of the 7th century. It commemorates the
purifying of the Blessed Virgin according to the Mosaic Law, 40 days after the
birth of Christ; and the presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple. It is
also known as Candlemas Day, as
candles are blessed in commemoration of the words of Holy Simeon, who received
the Child and his Mother, and declared this Christ Child to be “a light for revelation for the Gentiles and
glory for your people Israel.” In
this regard, candles, for use in church for a year, are blessed, and at the
principal Mass in a church, there is a procession with lighted candles to
represent the entry of Christ, the Light of the World, into the Temple of
Jerusalem.
Our readings today tell us to
seek the Lord of Light in two places: in the Temple of our churches and chapels
(it is recommended that we make regular and frequent visits to be with him
there); and also in the eyes of those we help in God’s name. If he is not to be
found in one place, he won’t be found in the other for us. And finally, may we live our days in peace because like
Simeon we have received the Lord into the temples of our hearts, may we honor
him there, pray to him there, and ask his help to act like him always, and in
every place.
You
Lord, are a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people
Israel, and us!
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