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.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 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, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “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.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.
REFLECTION:
"My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel".
If Candlemas Day be fair and bright,
winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
winter won’t come again.
If Candlemas Day be dry and fair,
The half o the winter’s to come and mair;
If Candlemas Day be wet and foul,
The half o the winter’s gane at Yule.
We are now in February, truly in the dead of winter. We have endured freezing temperatures for quite a while now, and are truly ready for spring to show up at our doorstep. The Christmas lights have been put away and apparently there is nothing to look forward to.
These grey days and long nights can really make people depressed. Upper respiratory infections are also in the rise. Flus and colds spike. In Latin America we dread these days with a saying: "Enero y Febrero, desviejadero". ("January and February, the old folks might die"). We think that old people tend to die of respiratory infections during these days.
In the middle of these dreariness comes the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Candles are lit and blessed during the Mass. This Feast and the blessed candles bring a spark back to us and our households and cheer us so we can continue to hope both for better weather and also in the promises of the Lord.
In Mexico we link this celebration back to the Epiphany. In January 6th we ate a cake called "rosca". Inside there was a hidden plastic baby Jesus. Whoever got a slice of cake with the baby inside gets to organize a party with tamales on February 2nd.
In the United States we celebrate Groundhog day. This comes from the German immigrants that used to do predictions of the upcoming weather based on an animal familiar to them: foxes, badgers, etc. Eventually they settled for the groundhog, and brought this tradition to our country.
Other countries also carry their traditions. In France and Belgium, crepes and pancakes are traditionally eaten, symbolizing the return of the sun and also as a means of blessing and good luck. February 2 is called Liichtmessdag in Luxembourg. Children go from door to door carrying lanterns. They sing a song and wish the family happiness and health. The residents then give them sweets.
What are the traditions you celebrate during this Feast? Do you keep your Christmas decor until today? Do you give sweets to kids? Do you light the Candlemas candles during the year for a special occasion?
Did the groundhog see its shadow today? We really don't believe an animal can predict the weather. It is a fun way of reminding us of hope and of the Light that Christ brings into the world. Share with us your traditions and how they connect with our Catholic faith.
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