Brothers and sisters, this weekend we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, marking the occasion when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple, in accordance with Jewish law (Luke 2:22-40). We celebrate this feast each year on February 2nd- exactly 40 days from our solemn celebration of Christmas. This feast invites us to reflect on the themes of light, fulfillment of promises, and the welcoming of God into the world. The celebration of today’s feast dates to the year 350 AD beginning in Jerusalem.
In the Gospel account, we are introduced to two key figures—Simeon and Anna—who had been waiting for the Messiah. Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, had been promised by God that he would not die before seeing the Savior. When he takes Jesus in his arms, he praises God, proclaiming the child as "a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." (Luke 2:32). Simeon’s words, often called the Nunc Dimittis, are a beautiful expression of gratitude and recognition that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel and to all of humanity.
Traditionally known as Candlemas, today’s feast is a day when the Church blesses candles, symbolizing Christ, the Light of the World. The blessing and lighting of candles emphasizes the radiant truth of Christ's presence, offering hope and peace to a world in need of healing. The lighting of candles represents the entry of Christ, who is the light of the world, into the Temple of Jerusalem.
This weekend, at the beginning of Mass, we will begin with a short liturgy in which we will bless and light candles recalling that Jesus is the light of the world- commemorating his presentation in the temple.
Anointing Mass On February 11th, we will be hosting a Mass with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick beginning at 2:30 p.m., followed by a coffee social.
In the Scriptures, the Letter of St. James states that the sick are to be anointed by priests so that they may be saved and raised up. The Anointing of the Sick is one of the church's seven sacraments and is a sacrament of healing. When someone receives the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, the hoped-for effect is that, if it is God’s will, the person may be physically healed of their illness. But even if there is no physical healing, the primary effect of the Sacrament is spiritual healing given by the Holy Spirit. Those who are elderly may be anointed if they have become notably weak, even if they are not seriously ill. A sick person may be anointed before surgery whenever a serious illness is present.
Please consider joining us on February 11th as we pray for continued healing of those who are ill and in need of our prayers.