St James Catholic Church

When forty days had passed since Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple to consecrate him to the Lord, as was required by the law. While they were there, the Holy Spirit guided the elderly Simeon and Anna to the baby, whom they recognized as Messiah and Savior. Exultantly they testified to his destiny.

In many countries, particularly in Europe, today’s feast is celebrated as Candlemas, named for the candles that are blessed today. They are symbols of Christ, the light of the world. When the infant Jesus was presented to the Lord in the temple, his identity and mission were revealed just as a light reveals the contents of a room. If we listen carefully to Simeon’s testimony, we hear that Christ’s light revealed both good and bad, things both joyful and heartbreaking. Though Jesus would bring salvation and glory, many in Israel would fall and Mary, herself, “would be pierced as by a sword.” We recall Malachi’s bracing words regarding purification and sacrifice. Jesus shines a light on our redemption, but also on the cross we must bear.

Today we celebrate a final manifestation of Jesus during his infancy.  Of course, we know Jesus revealed himself in many ways during his earthly life. The truth is that he continues to reveal himself in the world. We pray that we recognize him in our holy place, the church, much as the Holy Spirit guided the devout Simeon and Anna to do so in the temple. We long to recognize him as well in our neighbor, for we know now of his promise that what we do for the least of them we do for Him.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob