Into our hearts...

  Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

February  2

 Today the Church celebrates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple at Jerusalem.

In that same spirit, we present ourselves today to the Lord, especially in the Mass.

Present yourself to Jesus today. Receive His life-giving light and love.

Giotto

“Simeon gave back Jesus to His Mother,

he was only suffered to keep

Him for one moment.

But we are far happier than Simeon.

We may keep Him always if we will.

In Communion He comes not only

into our arms but into our hearts.”

St John Vianney

 

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is also known as Candlemas Day,

since the blessing and procession of candles is included in today's liturgy.  

“Christ Himself says, ‘I am the light of the world.’ And we are the light,

we ourselves, if we receive it from Him.... But how do we receive it,

how do we make it shine? ... The candle tells us: by burning, and being consumed in the burning.  A spark of fire, a ray of love, an inevitable immolation are celebrated over that pure, straight candle, as, pouring

forth its gift of light, it exhausts itself in silent sacrifice” (Pope Paul VI).