REFLECTION FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, YEAR C.
(1st Reading, Malachi 3:1-4; 2nd Reading, Hebrews 2:14-18; Gospel, Luke 2:22-40)
Dear brothers and sisters, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
JESUS CHRIST, THE LIGHT TO ENLIGHTEN THE GENTILES
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of the presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. This feast is also called the "Feast of Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary." The Feast of the Presentation is one of the oldest feasts of the Christian Church, celebrated since the 4th century AD in Jerusalem. The Gospel reading of today presents the presentation narrative, "when the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord," and to offer the sacrifice of "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord."
Today's celebration is also called Candlemass. In the mass, Candles are blessed, lit, and used in procession into the Church. These blessed candles serve as a symbol of Jesus Christ, who referred to Himself as the Light of the World. In his canticle (Nunc Dimittis), Simeon called Jesus Christ the light to enlighten the nations (Gentiles) and give glory to Israel, His people. Reflecting on the significance of the lighted candles, St. Sophronius said that our lighted candles are a sign of the divine splendor of the one who comes to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe radiant with the brilliance of His eternal light. Our lighted candles also show how bright our souls should be when we go to meet Christ." Our lighted Candles also challenge us to be Like Jesus Christ and become light that enlightens the lives of those we encounter and interact with. Let us endeavor to be light to the world.
MARY'S SORROWFUL MOMENTS PROPHESIZED.
Simeon also prophesized to Mary, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted - and you yourself a sword will pierce - so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." This prophesy was not a palatable message to receive. It was about the sorrows that Mary would experience and endure as the Mother of Jesus Christ. Several moments in Mary's life could really be seen as sorrowful moments. These moments could be likened to being pierced with a sword: The flight into Egypt, The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple, The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the way to Calvary (the way of the Cross), The Crucifixion, The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross, The burial of Jesus. These are called the sorrows of Mary, and they all fulfilled Simeon's prophesy that a sword would pierce her heart. It is important to learn from Mary that in order to attain glory, we have to accept our sorrows, too.
Always remember that Jesus loves you.