“Lumen ad revelationem servum tuum: et gloriam plebis tuae Israel…” says the antiphon.
“A light to the revelation of the Gentiles: for the glory of thy People of Israel…” Today we celebrate candlemass day. Forty days after giving birth, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph presented Jesus in the temple as commanded by the Law of Moses. Being poor they bought pigeons for the sacrifice instead of a Lamb. There they met Simeon the prophet who have been waiting for the coming of the Messiah. When he say the Virgin Mary with the Child, he proclaimed his prophecy that this child-Jesus. Shall be the cause of Salvation among many in Israel but also shall be the stumbling block among many, Mary did not understand all the words that Simeon had said but she kept it in her hearts – the truth of which was revealed in due time. A sword pierced the heart of Mary.
-There are two sacramentals that reminded me of the significance of this feast of the candlemass. First is the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual help, so popular among us Filipinos. To me this depicts the bond that existed between Mary and her Child Jesus. Mary presents to us Jesus-as the word of God made flesh and as the bread of life our spiritual food. Simeon said that he will be the cause of the rising and falling of many in Israel. Those who cannot accept his teachings will definitely fall but those who humbly accept his words shall find salvation.
The Second thing that reminds me of the significance of this feast is our practice of lighting votive candles during prayers and Mass. What is the meaning of this? It tells us that as we light the candles we are reminded that Christ is the light of the world, that he who listens to Jesus will not walk in darkness. So as we hold on to our light, we are commissioned by God to bring the light of Christ into the world. This can be done by living a life modeled after the teachings of the gospel. Christ said that we should be the light and salt of the earth.
Short Prayer: Jesus you are the light of World, and he who comes unto thee will not walk in darkeness but will have the light. Guide us in our way, and make us by your grace a shining example of who you are. Help us to fight the temptations of this world and the wiles of the devil. Like your mother make us more obedient and keep us ever by your side in this life and in the world to come. Let thy servant go in peace, thy word has been fulfilled. Amen.
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