At today's morning Mass in Alexandria, Virginia we had the grace to see a baby boy presented to the Lord in holy Baptism. An infant was given the gift of faith immediately after the reading of the gospel. The little fellow was making baby sounds all the while, participating in his own way in this big step in his life. The presence of the little one made it easier to picture the gospel narration of Simeon holding the baby in his arms whole thanking God for the grace to have seen the long expected One.
Anna a woman advanced in years appears too praising God and telling others the Good News about this holy Baby. Today's Feast sheds light on saintly seniors: Simeon and Anna. How often our grandparents, and great grandparents are the "holy ones" in our families. They lead us to God by their steadfast faith, prayer and good example. I can remember my grandmother taking me to Mass with her. During her last months on this earth her blue crystal rosary beads never left her hands.
In our religious, convent life, we turn to our seniors who pray the rosary frequently. Those who are able also make rosaries. Their rosaries are available to our Pauline Book & Media patrons. Like Anna of today's gospel these Sisters praise the Lord day and night.
Today in the Catholic Church is also the World Day for Religious. As Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to the Father in the Temple, so we present and offer our very selves to God through our religious vows. In fact the word "religious" stems from the Latin word religare which means to bind, or to tie. Through our vows of chastity, poverty and obedience we are bound to God.
As Christ is the Light of the world, so a candle represents that light of faith and love. It is a custom in the Church to bless candles which are destined for use in the church as well as for family prayer. Thus the word Candlemas from Candle Mass.
We religious who are vowed to the Lord and live for him most especially are to be living candles. Years ago I borrowed an old prayer book. I think it was esoecially for young women. I remember the line: Rabboni when I am dying, how glad I shall be that the lamp of my life has burned out for Thee. With God's grace I want that lamp to keep burning for many more years!
Have a blessed Sunday!
Sr. Madonna Janet,fsp
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