Word to the Wise
Thursday, February 2, 2012 - Feb. 2 - The Presentation of the Lord
[Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32]"Now, Master you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted - and you yourself a sword will pierce - so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
At the close of day, the liturgical hour of Compline is celebrated. During Compline the words quoted above from today's gospel scripture are said or sung. The comprise the "canticle of Simeon." As with so much of the "infancy narratives," the words spoke by elderly Simeon contain much of the interpretation of Jesus featured in the Gospel of Luke! Jesus is a universal savior! This is a glorious vision, but it is tempered immediately by Simeon's prophecy of suffering.
All of this is in the context of the temple, which Jesus would replace with his own body. The Christian community would see this story as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi which forms the first scripture of the day. The theme of "light for revelation" would be liturgically celebrated with the blessing of candles, giving this feast the traditional name of "Candlemas Day." Many Catholics pass over the "presentation" because the next day, blessed candles are used for the blessing of throats on the feast of St. Blaise!
I am reminded of the slogan of the Christopher Movement in the USA,which went like this, "If everyone lit just one little candle, what a bright world this would be." Christ is our light. Although we celebrate this in a special way at the Easter Vigil, the feast of the Presentation offers us the opportunity to reflect on this rich theme of the "light for revelation" and ask how "enlightened" we truly are by Christ. AMEN