Dearest Goddaughter (LTR-48) - Light of Christ #Candlemas

Dearest Goddaughter,

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord #Candlemas

While their eyes may have dimmed over a lifetime, Simeon and Anna saw the light of world in the child Jesus, saying: "for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

We received the light of Christ at our Baptism and are charged with keeping that light burning brightly through your lives. However, the squalor of life and our own sinful desires dim the light of Christ in us. For some, the light is extinguished. In those moments, when we find the light is dimming or going out, let us turn to the source of the light, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for faith, hope, and love.

Today's Gospel also reminds me of the deep love that Mother Mary has for us. She allows her heart to be pierced for our sake and for our salvation. I stand before the Blessed Mother every morning to ask for her intercession for my nieces and nephews. May her maternal heart comfort us all.

Love,

Bỏ Phúc

P.S. These are the readings for the day: Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18 and Lk 2:22-40 (below).

. . .

When the days were completed for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord,

just as it is written in the law of the Lord,

Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,

and to offer the sacrifice of

a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,

in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.

This man was righteous and devout,

awaiting the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he should not see death

before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

He came in the Spirit into the temple;

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus

to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,

he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go

in peace, according to your word,

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;

and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,

“Behold, this child is destined

for the fall and rise of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be contradicted

—and you yourself a sword will pierce—

so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was advanced in years,

having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple,

but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time,

she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child

to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions

of the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favor of God was upon him.