Feast of the presentation of the Lord in the Temple Year 2
Theme: Be holy
Happy feast day! Today is exactly 40 days after the birth of Christ, and he is presented in the Temple according to the Jewish tradition. The presentation in the Temple is also used for the purification of the mother of the child. As Spiritans, our celebration today is threefold. Firstly, we celebrate the presentation of the Lord; secondly it’s the day of the consecrated and lastly is our co-founders day (Fr. Francis Mary Paul Libermann). All our celebrations today are very important and are loaded with messages for us all as children of God.
In the gospel reading of today, the description of Simeon and Anna says a lot to us as Christians in our own time. The can be referred to as holy people. This is an attribute that we all are encouraged to emulate in our life as children of God. In today’s liturgy, there is the blessing of candles and procession into the church. A symbol of Jesus who is referred to in the gospel as the light of the world. As children of God, we partake of the light of Christ, and we must endeavour to keep the light burning; never allow it to go out. It is a light that dispels darkness and enthrones Gods presence wherever it is found. You should be that light in your family, office, business place and carry it with you wherever you go.
The church also celebrates the day of the consecrated on the 2nd of February yearly. It is an opportunity for us to pray for vocation to consecrated life and also pray for those who are there already, to be a true sign of God’s presence amongst his people. Remember, more labourers are needed in the vineyard of the Lord. Your prayer is powerful and will be useful in this regard. “No one takes this honour upon himself” whoever God calls, he qualifies.
Lastly, as we celebrate our co-founders day, it is also an opportunity for me to solicit for prayers for The Congregation of the Holy Ghost are her mission in the church, and also for the canonization process of Fr. Francis Libermann. May the Lord bless his words in our hearts. Peace be with you.