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Candle Mass
THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
Forty days after the Birth of our Lord, Jesus is presented to the temple, fulfilling the law of Moses and at the same time going to meet his faithful people.
Mary and Joseph desire to unite their newborn child with the divine presence dwelling in the temple – the privileged place of encounter with God. By that presentation, Jesus is shown to be the first born Son who belongs to the Lord. The revelation transforms the way that we belong.
Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Ana came to the temple, recognized Christ as their lord and proclaimed him with joy. God fulfilled the hope of Simeon, who did not die until he had been privileged to welcome the Messiah.
Christ’s visits to the temple later in life re-presented his Presentation by intensifying this infant encounter with his Father. Ultimately, Christ identifies himself with the temple; He is God’s dwelling place among people.
This feast is celebrated on February 02.
The people, carrying unlighted candles gather in a place outside the Church or even in an area away from where Mass is celebrated. The priest wearing white vestments enters the gathering are, blesses the candles and after the Proclamation of the Gospel (recounting the humble event of Mary and Joseph in fulfilment of the Law, presented Jesus in the Temple) processes to the altar with the congregation carrying the lit candles.
This spiritual exercise unites us with the ancient figures of Simeon and the prophetess Anna who prayed incessantly, awaiting earnestly the Lord's coming in the Temple. Having been privileged to see His Glory fill the Temple in their life time, they were filled with awe and wonder of the Lord.
Simeon desired nothing more in this life on earth. He lived all his years in fidelity to God and the fulfilment of His Promises, he lived for this moment. He is known to have said: (Luke 2:29-32)
Christ is the light of the nations and the glory of Israel
Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
Your word has been fulfilled:
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of every people:
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
These words of total surrender to the Lord, our God, have become the clasic Christian night prayer.
This Feast originated in the 4th century in Jerusalem, and later came to be celebrated in Rome by the middle of the 5th century, under its greek title "Feast of the Meeting", known also as Candlemas Day.
For more information on Masses for the day, please check the Mass schedule either under the topic of "Mass Schedules" or in the 'calendar' on the top of the page.
