Most people in the US think of Feb. 2 as Groundhog Day and it is. But long before that it has been Candlemas Day. This is the day that the Church blesses candles for the coming year. It used to be really big before electricity. Candles were blessed both for the Church and for the home. Now we emphasize the Presentation of the Lord. In case you may be wondering, this is also the Purification of Mary. According to Jewish law at the time of Christ, a woman had to be purified after having a baby. That’s why the first line of today’s Gospel talks about “their purification according to the law of Moses.”
In our first reading from the Prophet Malachi talks about the Temple and animal sacrifice. Christians see the coming of Christ in the lines: “And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek.”
This is what happens in today’s Gospel, when Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple and offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” This small offering was the offering of the poor. Simeon gives us the prayer used by the Church for night prayer, starting “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace…”
Our second reading emphasizes the sacrifice part of the first reading, telling us that Jesus is the sacrifice that saves us all. “Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.”
Plan ahead! I have reserved the Berta Shelter at St. Patrick’s Park for August 30 for our Annual Picnic. It is the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Augustine. I promise it will not snow that day!
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.