+ 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! May we together shine that light wherever we go
this day, and every day! Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment