Homily: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Luke 2:22-40) “The Precious Present”

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is also known as Candlemas Day. The feast is derived from the religious law of the Jewish faith. The Book of Leviticus prescribed that for 40 days after childbirth a woman was considered unclean.

This had to do with the flow of blood that took place during childbirth. Anyone who was bleeding for any reason was considered unclean and had to separate themselves from others. Ancient people did not understand anatomy and physiology too well, but they knew that if blood was necessary for life. Therefore, it was to be treated with reverence, one might even say, in a way feared. You did not touch freshly spilled blood.

A new mother was expected to go to the temple after 40 days and offer a sacrifice at the temple. The poor would offer two turtledoves. Wealthier people might offer a lamb. The implication of the story in the Gospel of Luke is that the Holy Family was poor.

The other thing that is obvious is that Mary and Joseph were devout. They were people who tried to practice their religion in all its fullness. Jesus grew up in a very religious household.

What are the implications of this feast for us? Once again, the Holy Family is worshipped and revered for their goodness. The Feast of Candlemas reminds us that Jesus, the light that dispels all darkness has come into the world. We have one last chance in the liturgical year to bath in the mystery of the Incarnation.

But we should not just admire the Holy Family and their piety. They are not just an icon to be venerated. No, they are a family that needs to be imitated. In a world that is becoming ever more secular the thought of going to Mass on special feasts or engaging in religious ritual is thought to be quant, something from a bygone era, or something that religious zealots do. We lose something precious in our spiritual life if this is what we think.

Families would benefit greatly if there was more of a sense of the sacred. If believers put their faith practice first how might that change the world? Perhaps there would be peace on earth and good will towards all.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I ever go to Mass for feasts other than Christmas? Which Catholic feasts are important to me?

2.   What religious symbols do I have around my home? How do I use them?

 Dear Parishioners,

           Today is Ground Hog Day as well as Candlemas Day. It is a strange custom to wait to see if the Ground Hog will see his shadow. The hope is that a long winter will come to an end and spring will begin.

          I often think of the movie, “Ground Hog Day.” It is a ridiculous premise. A man lives the same day repeatedly. I thought, at first, that the whole movie was weird, but it has grown on me through the years. A man learns to value time and to use that time for the good of others. He has a conversion experience.

          February is the shortest month of the year, but it does not seem that way does it. The grayness, the cold, seem to go on day after day. We, in a way, just want to get the month over with. We hit a psychological wall and we may feel a sense of despair. It is a good month to celebrate some aspect of our life. Maybe we need to reconnect with old friends. Perhaps we need to take time for extra prayer so that we can see that all days are not the same. Our lives have made a difference.

          My Our Lady of Peace uplift us today,

          Fr. Mark