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Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
A reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
The feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, in some cultures is known as Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, and the Meeting of the Lord. Catholics celebrate the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd.
Under Mosaic law as found in the Torah, a mother who had given birth to a boy was considered unclean for seven days; moreover she was to remain for three and thirty days "in the blood of her purification." Candlemas therefore corresponds to the day on which Mary, according to Jewish law, should have attended a ceremony of ritual purification (Leviticus 12:2–8). The Gospel of Luke 2:22–39 relates that Mary was purified according to the religious law, followed by Jesus' presentation in the Jerusalem temple.
If you pray the Rosary using EWTN, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ’s Explanation of the Joyful mystery of the Presentation, he shows the ritual baths in Jerusalem, or "mikveh" in Hebrew, from the Second Temple period that was recently found during an excavation conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in the City of David.
In the Roman Catholic Church, it is known as the Presentation of the Lord, in the liturgical books first issued by Pope St. Paul VI, and as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in earlier editions. In the Eastern Orthodox Church and Greek Catholic Churches (Eastern Catholic Churches which use the Byzantine rite), it is known as the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple or as The Meeting of Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. This feast dates back to Liturgies of the 4th Century.
Today, in Catholic Churches, there can be a blessing of candles. People carry unlighted candles into the church in procession, and then the candles are blessed by a priest, one or two hymns may be sung and some prayers said, and after that Holy Mass begins.
This year this celebration happens to fall on a Sunday. For those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours, there is an "Evening I" used for Evening Prayer of Saturday before. Many Secular Franciscans also pray the Liturgy of the Hours.
Peace and Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS