Candlemas:
The Presentation of the Lord
This Wednesday, February 2nd, is the celebration of the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Also known as Candlemas, this feast marks 40 days after the birth of Jesus and is described in the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40.
Mary and Joseph took the Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to complete Mary’s ritual purification after childbirth and to present Jesus to the Lord, in obedience to the Law of Moses.
Joseph and Mary took the option provided for poor people, those who could not afford a lamb, sacrificing a “pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons”.
As they brought Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon. Simeon had been promised that “He should not see death before he had seen the Lord.” Simeon prayed the prayer that would become known as the “Canticle of Simeon”, which prophesied the redemption of the world by Jesus. Within the prayer, Simeon calls Jesus "a light for revelation" for all people. This is why on Candlemas we bless the candles for the year. In the blessing of candles, we emphasize once more Jesus as the Light of the World.
The Elderly Prophetess Anna, was also in the Temple, and offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there about Jesus and his role in the redemption of Jerusalem.
February 2nd is also halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This is a day some cultures predict the coming weather. An old English song goes:
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come winter, have another flight;
If Candlemas bring clouds and rain,
Go winter, and come not again.
Thus if the sun cast a shadow on Candlemas day, more winter was on the way; if there was no shadow, winter was thought to be ending soon. Sound familiar? Groundhog day grew from the tradition of Candlemas.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:oo on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Let's Get About Loving!
Join Tony as he reflects on this Sunday's Scripture readings. Love is patient, love is kind, love never fails...
Let faith, hope, and love provide clarity in living your life's journey.
Project Nazareth
This is an initiative that will deliver weekly resources to Churches of the Home. These resources will give suggestions for how to Pray, Listen, Act and Ponder with a given topic throughout the course of each week. Project Nazareth will explore the fundamental Gospel message of the Sunday Mass and other special topics such as the Year of the Eucharist.
This is a way to weave faith formation into the fabric of family life.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Announcements
Newest Member to Our Parish Family
Humor
What do you call a candle that's made out of the melted remainders of other candles?
Frankincense
Ruby and Res
Ruby found some new friends to play with but she's baffled by their quietness.
Comentarios