Today is the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also called Candlemas. It’s customary on this day to bring candles from home to church for a blessing. Our tradition is scattered with blessings like this. (For example, my parish recently revived the long tradition of blessing wine on the feast of St. John on December 27.)
These blessings are a concrete way of linking our lives out here in the world to the Body of Christ. It’s also a reminder that what Jesus gives us—the peace, the grace, the joy and, yes, the light—isn’t given to us to keep to ourselves. It’s given to us, as Simeon prayed, to take out into the world so that all can see the light and know that peace as well.
I am intrigued by Simeon in today's reading :-) What does the Scripture say about him? *** Luke 2:25-28, "This man was (1)righteous and (2)devout, (3)awaiting the consolation of Israel, and (4)the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been (5)revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that (6)he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. (7)He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to Him, (8)he took Him into his arms and blessed God!" *** What strike me is what he said to start his blessing in Luke 2:29, "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to Your Word," He was ready to go with the Lord when he saw baby Jesus! *** Isaiah 12:2, "Behold, God is my Salvation; I will trust and I will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song; and He has become my Salvation!" Amen! Am I ready to go to be with the Lord now that I have seen my Salvation? Absolutely :-) You are my Light and my Salvation and there is none other!!! Death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal dwelling with You :-) Love You, Jesus, my Lord!
Living faith yesterday at Mass we were told Kathy B went to be with the Lord. She was an eucharistic minister and counted the donation on Monday. She always baked muffins for those who counted with her, always offering one to me. Over the last few months she wasn't attending morning Mass. After one month I started calling and checking on her. I haven't been able to connect for 5 or six weeks. Please keep Kathy B in your prayers. Feedmore today I am getting a larger route yay. Ken
My prayers are with Kathy B and her family this evening, Ken. I'm sure there is a sweet-smelling aroma wafting through the Hevenly Kingdom tonight.
Ken, I know the loss of your friend Kathy B. is so unsettling. Her absence for the last weeks now understood, but I'm sure such sadness in not having to been able to reach her is in your heart. Knowing that you're praying for her...and so are we, she's already with YOUR "best friend". God Bless us all, and all who we love.
Amy…a beautiful way to start the day. As a frequent sender of light into the world and to others, I love Candlemas. Depending on our fortitude toady, may we all run towards, walk towards, turn towards, look towards or just feel the light today. Hopefully we can tap into our generosity and be a source for others. Continued lifting of those in grief.
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Amen.