On February 2 the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days after his birth, as the Law of Moses required. There the elderly Simeon took the child in his arms and blessed God, calling him 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles,' and the prophetess Anna gave thanks and spoke of him to all who awaited redemption. Because of Simeon's words, candles are blessed on this day, and the feast is also known as Candlemas.
Simeon and Anna spent long years in patient, faithful waiting, and God let them see the promise fulfilled before they died. Their example teaches us to keep hope alive through long seasons of longing, trusting that God keeps his word in his own time. Mary and Joseph's quiet obedience reminds us that God is often found in ordinary acts of faithfulness.
Lord Jesus, light of the nations, brighten our darkness as you brightened the eyes of Simeon, and give us patient, hopeful hearts that trust your promises until we see you face to face. Amen.Enter today’s Mass → All saints →