Presentation of the Lord

The opening to the Mass of the Presentation says it all: "Forty days ago we celebrated the joyful feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we recall the holy day on which he was presented in the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people" (Magnificat, 43). There is more to that opening, but this part tells us what we are celebrating on this day. The gospel, Luke 2:22-40, presents the entire presentation in temple. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord. In that presentation, they encounter the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna. They had been waiting for this day and now they were at peace because their eyes had seen the Christ of the Lord. This day is also a time for candles to be blessed. We know that candles and the light from them symbolize that Jesus is forever the light of the world. We are called to let the light of Christ shine in our own lives. Pray that we may be an example to our brothers and sisters. Let the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives and when our journey is done, may we be presented to God in His heavenly Kingdom. Have a blessed day!!!