Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Catholic Schools Week

World Day for Consecrated Life

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: RB 7:49-50

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

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

HEART OF JESUS, SALVATION OF THOSE WHO TRUST IN THEE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

What a glorious day it is. On this clear and chilly "frost on pumpkin" morning, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when Joseph and Mary took their babe in arms son Jesus to present Him to the Lord, as was customary (Lk 2:22). We also celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life, and with the Holy Father pray for "religious sisters and consecrated women, thanking them for their mission and their courage, may they continue to find new responses to the challenges of our times. Thank you for what you are, what you do, and for how you do it." 

About the Feast then, my reflections stem from today's photo, as well as words from Guerric of Igny (1070-1157), taken from one his liturgical sermons and used as our Proclamation at Lauds. The flowers you see in the photo are held by my dear sister and faithful reader, Victoria. After Mass the other day, she was presented with these beautiful roses by the gardener. The exchange was a presentation. Gift given; gift received. A mutual exchange of sharing in the love of Jesus. A sign of the love of the infant Jesus presented in the temple, all exchanges like it should be reason to, with Simeon, take Jesus in our arms, bless Him, and proclaim the Nunc dimitis: "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to our word, for my eyes have seen the salvation, which you have prepared in the sights of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel" (Lk 2:29-32). While we are at it, we join the prophetess, Anna, too, and "give thanks to God and speak about the child" (Lk 2:38) to all those we meet today. 

You too have received God's mercy; indeed you have received it more abundantly. Take care lest you make grace fruitless through ingratitude. Let your devotion then be full of joy. Glorify and carry in your body every day the One whom Simeon carried today.

(Guerric of Igny)

We continue to prayer with our litany of saints in honor of Catholic Schools Week.

SAINT JOHN BOSCO,

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

SAINT ANGELA MERICI,

SAINT ALBERT THE GREAT,

SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS,

SAINT JOHN CANTIUS,

SAINT JOHN HENRY NEWMAN,

SAINT MARY ELLEN MACKILLOP,

SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER CABRINI,

SAINT KATHERINE DREXEL,

SAINT JEANNE DE LESTONNAE,

PRAY FOR US.

© Gertrude Feick 2022