Today in the liturgical year is Candlemas, also known as the Day of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. Luke’s Gospel has the event 40 days after Christmas. It is one of the oldest feasts observed by the church, preached about by ancient theologians most of us have never heard about or read.
We may ask ourselves what is the significance of an ancient feast day for our modern world. In the Gospel two persons declare the significance of the baby Jesus for his world and ours. For us, such a day should ask us how we present ourselves to God.
We present ourselves before God not as purified but as who we are, simply human beings striving to extend the grace we have received to others. In extending God’s grace we become purified, not by some ancient rite of purification, as women did after giving birth, but by living the Gospel Jesus came to proclaim.
Prayer for the Day
At the cusp of midwinter, O Lord, we begin to think of the spring to come,
For we have become anxious of the way winter forces us to sit and reflect;
We begin to look forward to spring, not only for its beauty and warmth,
But also to busy ourselves so not to be pressed by the world around us.
Move us beyond our impatience, O God, and impart to us your grace,
Giving us the willingness to examine our lives in this quiet time.
In the name of the One who is the instrument of your grace,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
If I speak of myself in different ways, that is because I look at myself in different ways.
- Michel de Montaigne, essayist (1533-1592)
Living in a way that reflects one’s values is not just about what you do; it is also about how you do things.
- Deborah Day, Canadian film director and writer
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you,
I have called yu=ou by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,
And through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
And when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
And the flame will not consume you.
Isaiah 43: 1-2