My dear parishioners,
Peace! The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights the “prayer of the rosary” as a popular substitute for the Liturgy of the Hours in the Western Church (§ 2678). In praying the rosary we “meditate on the mysteries of Christ” engaging our “thought, imagination, emotion, and desire” leading not only to “knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus” but “union with Him” (§ 2708). In fact the rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary is an “epitome of the whole Gospel” and is also an expression of “devotion to the Virgin Mary” (§ 971). Here we consider the fourth of the Joyful Mysteries, the Presentation of the Lord Jesus in the Temple.
Liturgically the Presentation of the child Jesus is celebrated each year on the 2nd of February. Jesus Christ who is the true light of the world enters the Temple which is His house, a sign of His mystery (cf. Mark 14:58; John 2:19; 8:12). The Feast of the Presentation of the child Jesus has also been called “Candle Mass” due to the blessing and procession with candles which are proper to the Mass. (The blessing of Saint Blase, Bishop and Martyr, is given on 3 February with candles blessed on the 2nd.) The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (1 January) the octave day of Christmas (25 December) has also been celebrated as the Feast of the Circumcision in light of Leviticus 12:3. Some religious renew their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience on the Feast of the Presentation of the child Jesus, presenting themselves anew each year.
In Sacred Scripture we read about the Presentation of the child Jesus in Luke 2:22-40. The Canticle of Simeon is used by Mother Church at Night Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours each day. Simeon saw the Light, Christ the Lord, enter the temple. We receive the light of faith in Baptism. May we keep it burning brightly by God’s grace for all to see, leading others to the same.
The fruit of the mystery of the Presentation of the child Jesus is obedience. The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph presented the child Jesus in obedience to the Law of the Lord (cf. Leviticus 12; Exodus 13:12-15). Sacred Scripture specifically records how Mary and Joseph brought the offering of a pigeon or dove as a sacrificial offering (Luke 2:24) while the lamb which Leviticus 12:6 calls for was the Lord Jesus Himself, as Saint John the Baptist would latter point out (cf. John 1:29). May we be no less obedient to the Lord God Almighty and His holy law than Mary and Joseph. May we always present ourselves, by His grace, at His altar week by week and even day by day. Let us allow ourselves to be prompted by the Holy Spirit as like Simeon in his day. May our contemplation of the Presentation of the child Jesus help us to be devout, seeking our consolation only in the Lord.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr