Lilian Kluesner, an 8th Grader in our Children's Faith Formation, completed a painting of what she sees when she prays the Hail Mary Prayer.
I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won't be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life." John 8:12
On February 2nd, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. This is celebrated 40 days after Christmas.
Joseph and Mary were faithful Jews who brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Here they presented their firstborn son to the Lord. Jesus was thus consecrated as required by the Law of Moses.
Present in the temple on that day was Simeon and Anna. Simeon had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would see Christ the Lord, the Messiah, before he died. The holy man immediately recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Savior, a "light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel." Anna also recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise of redemption and spoke about him to all.
On this day, as we celebrate the Presentation of the Infant Jesus, there is a tradition to bless all candles that will be used in homes throughout the year. This is a reminder that on the day of our baptism we are given a candle as a symbol that Christ has come into our life and we are claimed as His own.
We are sending home a votive candle for every family. Throughout this coming year you may like to bring this little candle out to place on your dinner table as you gather for special family events. This is a way your family is reminded of the presence of our Lord in the midst of all your celebrations.