Today is Candlemas Day or the Feast of the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple. Scripture tells us:
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)
It’s unbelievable that forty days ago we celebrated Christmas, and now we mark the complete end of Christmas. This feast has been described as the “last echo of Christmas” and, as a prelude to the future presentation that will take place on Calvary.
By the 11th century, the custom had developed in the West of blessing candles on the Feast of the Presentation. The roots of this tradition come from the words of the canticle “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (Luke 2:32). After the blessing, the candles were lit, and a procession took place through a darkened church while the Canticle of Simeon was sung. Thus, the became known as Candlemas. Although the procession and blessing of candles are rarely performed in the United States, Candlemas is still an important feast in many European countries.
Yes, it is time to put aside all the symbols of Christmas joy and begin to contemplate on the silence and penance of Lent. This sentiment is reflected in these words of Pope St. John Paul II:
