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Friends of the Rosary,
Today, February 2, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
This celebration, which takes place forty days after the birth of Jesus, is also known as Candlemas Day, since the blessing and procession of candles are included in the Mass.
Christ is the light of the nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day.
Jesus’ presentation signifies God’s entrance to His temple. Soon after the Baptists’ birth, God made man enter His temple, presenting Himself to those who were truly seeking Him.
Attached to “Candlemas Day”, we also celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, founded by Pope St. John Paul II in 1997. That’s because the consecrated men and women are to be the light in the world, imitating Jesus, the Light of the World.
On this day, the Church expresses its gratitude to all in the community who dedicate themselves in a special way to prayer, and to those with a particular religious vocation to the contemplative life.
In the figures of Simeon and Anna, Jesus’ presentation in the temple reminds us that prayer and contemplation are well-spent time. Only those who pray and offer penance, like Simeon and Anna, are open to the breath of the Spirit.
This feast of the Presentation has a strong Marian dimension:
On one hand, Simeon’s prophecy emphasizes Mary’s sufferings. Pope John Paul II taught that, “Simeon’s words seem like a second Annunciation to Mary.”
In the previous Liturgical Calendar, it was called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. indicating the renewal of her total offering to God for the accomplishment of His Divine Plan.
On February 2nd, a secular tradition unfolds: Groundhog Day, well known to schoolchildren and adults alike. The fate of Spring hangs in the balance as a burrowing animal looks for its shadow.
Ave Maria!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Please give us the grace to respond with joy!
+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
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