Christ Our Light Catholic Church - Loudonville, NY

February 1 and February 2
The Presentation of the Lord

From Deacon Dick~ 

Feast of The Presentation of the Lord 

The Presentation of the Lord is celebrated 40 days after Christmas, marking the day that Mary and Joseph would have brought Jesus into the Temple for Mary’s ritual purification and Jesus’ dedication to the Lord.

At the heart of this celebration is the encounter of Simeon and Anna with the Christ Child in the Temple. Simeon was the first to understand and proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the World.  Anna, a prophetess, also came forward and “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Lk 2:38) In the ritual acts in the Temple, Jesus’ divine mission was made manifest to the world.

“Candlemas” is also the traditional name given to today’s feast because as early as the 5^th century lighted candles symbolized Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus would be “a light of revelation to the Gentiles.” (Lk 2:32)

Ponder, today, your soul being the new temple of the Lord, and acknowledge your need to be purified and offered to the Father in Heaven. As Christ continues to enter into the temple of your soul, pray that He will shine forth for others to see so that, like Simeon and Anna, they will encounter our Lord within you.

My saving Lord, Your loving parents offered You to Your Father in the Temple in accordance with the Law. In that offering, our souls are purified and offered to Your Father. May my soul always radiate Your light from within me. Jesus, I trust in You.

--- Saints & Feasts of the Liturgical Year