Word to the Wise
Saturday, February 2, 2019 - 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 sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." [Luke]
The feast of the Presentation of the Lord is meant to commemorate the incident in Luke's infancy narrative when Joseph and Mary, acting as pious Jews, bring Jesus to the temple to fulfill the Mosaic law about "redeeming" the first born male. There is an emphasis on light in this feast. Candles are blessed and carried in procession. Some of the candles will be used to bless throats on the feast of St. Blaise on February 3rd. (Even if it will fall on Sunday, I'm sure pastors will find a way to bless throats!) There is also an emphasis on the temple, referencing the prophecy of Malachi, of which Simeon would have been aware.
Simeon's "canticle" sums up the Gospel According to Luke. Jesus came to save all peoples, Jew and Gentile alike. Simeon sees the fulfillment of his yearnings and also speaks to the trials that lie ahead for Jesus and also for Mary! The vision of this feast is broad in shining light on all the world. I recommend lighting a candle and reciting the canticle as a simple way of observing the day. AMEN