Word to the Wise
Friday, February 2, 2007 - The Presentation of the Lord
[Malachi 3:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40]Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prespared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people, Israel.
An ordinary event in Jewish life is transformed by the Gospel of Luke into a preaching about Jesus' entire life and ministry. When I receive a child for baptism, I have to remind everyone present that what seems like the normal and expected thing to do for the child is much, much more. I experience all the hopes and dreams of the parents and grandparents, etc. Everyone has a prediction for the child. Simeon's prediction for Jesus' is enormous in scope. But the infancy narrative, so scripture scholars tell us, are mini-gospels and Simeon is simply preparing us for the rest of the story! For many Catholics the feast passes almost without notice. In medieval times, it was called Candlemas and celebrated with candles and processions. Nowadays the one contact that most Catholics have with it is the feast of St. Blaise, which follows the day after with using candles blessed on Candlemas to bless throats! Perhaps we could give the feast a better observance by lighting a candle to remind ourselves of the "light of revelation to the Gentiles.." and go get our throats blessed too. AMEN
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