The Presentation of the Lord

Year of Saint Joseph

Catholic Schools Week

RB: Ch 7:44-48

Mass: Mal 3:1-4; Resp Ps 24; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 

Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!

YOUR MERICFUL LOVE, O GOD, WE HAVE RECEIVED IN THE MIDST OF YOUR TEMPLE. YOUR PRAISE, O GOD, LIKE YOUR NAME, REACHES THE ENDS OF THE EARTH; YOUR RIGHT HAND IS FILLED WITH SAVING JUSTICE.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

I have with me a picture postcard of The Descent from the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). The masterpiece hangs in the Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Belgium. Sadly, I've not seen it in person. The image with me is a detail of the work, with Simeon in the Temple holding the child Jesus in his arms. "Righteous and devout" Simeon, with the Holy Spirit upon him (Lk 2:25). Simeon is looking toward Heaven and blessing God, "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word ... " (Lk 2:29). I also see most precious Anna, who "never left the temple, but worshipped night and day with fasting and prayer" (Lk 2:37). She comes forward filled with delight and gives thanks to God (Lk 2:38).

Filled with awe and wonder, let us join Simeon and Anna today and bless God and give thanks.

Come and be enlightened, so as to be not merely carrying lamps but to be very lamps yourselves, shining inside and out, for yourselves and for your neighbors. Be a lamp then in heart, in hand, in lips.

(Guerric of Igny)

Rise up in splendor! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds over the peoples;

But upon you the Lord shines, and over you appears His glory.

Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance.

(Is 60:1-3)

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Becca strikes again with this look at Flapjack Lakes, Olympic National Park, Washington.

© Gertrude Feick 2021