We should all experience Jesus’ presence with joy and anticipation

Published: February 1, 2003

By Deacon Bo McAllister

“May the same spirit that led Simeon and Anna to recognize the child as their Lord and to proclaim him with joy, lead us to recognize him in the breaking of bread until he comes again in glory.”

Can you believe it? It has already been 40 days since we celebrated the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. Scripture tells us that 40 days after his birth, Joseph and Mary, having completed the prescribed period for their purification, presented their son Jesus to the temple in fulfillment of the Law of Moses.

Thus, Feb. 2, the 40th day after Dec. 25, is the day we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in our liturgical calendar. This year, this special feast day falls on a Sunday. Mass this Sunday will include the blessing of candles, and perhaps even a procession of candles as we celebrate Christ’s meeting of Simeon and Anna in the temple where they recognized Jesus as the Messiah promised long ago to the Israelites.

In blessing the candles the priest will pray: “God our Father, source of all light, today you revealed to Simeon your light of revelation to the nations. Bless these candles and make them holy. May we who carry them to praise your glory walk in the path of goodness and come to the light that shines for ever.”

In our Gospel reading we hear that Simeon took Christ in his arms and, recognizing him as the Messiah praised 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 sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”

The Gospel also tells us about the prophetess Anna who was present in the temple and how she, too, recognized the child Jesus. We are told she “spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” As we enter into this ordinary time in our liturgical calendar, this feast day serves to remind us that just a few short weeks ago we celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior.

May the same spirit that led Simeon and Anna to recognize the child as their Lord and to proclaim him with joy, lead us to recognize him in the breaking of bread until he comes again in glory. As we use the candles blessed during the Mass in the days and weeks ahead, may they remind us that Jesus came as the light of revelation to the nations.

Deacon Bo McAllister is chancellor for canonical affairs for the Diocese of Little Rock. This article was originally published in Arkansas Catholic February 1, 2003. Copyright Diocese of Little Rock. All rights reserved. This article may be copied or redistributed with acknowledgement and permission of the publisher.