The Presentation of the Lord

This magnificent Solemnity, formerly known as the Purification of Mary, and sometimes called "Candlemass Day", used to mark the end of the Christmas Season, for it commemorates the 40th day after the birth of Jesus when Mary and Joseph presented him in the Temple, according to the Law of Moses, and offered a sacrifice of two turtle doves in his behalf.  It is sometimes marked by a procession and the blessing of the candles to be used in the course of the next year.  Some parishes would give a pair of blessed candles to each family for use in their homes.So much has changed now, with oil candles becoming more popular, and the cost of beeswax candles increasing , that many parishes no longer can afford to do all of this anymore.  Yet, in our hearts, we can proclaim with the aged Simeon that we have seen this child who is a "light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of the people Israel." (Lk 2: 32). As Christians, we now ARE the temple, and as Marists, our mission is to proclaim the Light by our lives, and, "if necessry, by our words," according to St. Francis.
If we are not able to be at Mass today, we can pay special attention to our deeds, actions and words, and tomorrow when we receive the Eucharist, recommit ourselves to the service of the Light.  Perhaps lighting a candle at home today, or in church tomorrow, might be a sign and a reminder to us of the significance of this day and our call to live in the Light, to BE the Light of Christ.
Bro. Rene