As the candles are lit, reminding us of the fire of the Paschal candle - the light of Christ passed onto us at our baptism - an antiphon is sung that prepares our hearts for the Lord’s coming into his temple: “Behold our Lord will come with power, to enlighten the eyes of his servants.” The liturgy begins as the faithful gather with candles, traditionally made of beeswax for use in the coming year. Meditating on the liturgy of Candlemas helps us to dive more deeply into the meaning of this feast of light in the darkness. 2 the World Day for Consecrated Life, a reminder of the religious vocation to “bear witness in the world to Christ, the light that never fades.” Even Punxsutawney Phil keeps this feast, since Groundhog Day originates in a German Candlemas tradition that a badger’s shadow can predict the coming of spring! Since the fifth century, the Church has had the custom of blessing and lighting candles on this day, recalling the lights of Advent and Christmas and anticipating the Paschal light of Easter. Religious hold candles as Pope Francis celebrates a Mass marking the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Mary humbly offers her treasure, the light of the world, before the throne of his heavenly Father, just as on Epiphany, kings had poured out their treasures before his cradle. On this day, we remember how, in obedience to the Mosaic Law, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem to consecrate him to the Lord, completing the period of purification after his birth (which is why this feast has also been called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary). 2, when the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, 40 days after Christmas. The Christmas light of the Word made flesh shines again in the darkness of winter on Feb.
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