When Jesus was 40 days old, Mary and Joseph brought him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Anna and Simeon, two elderly people of great holiness, recognized Jesus. Simeon called Jesus “a light to the nations.” Simeon’s prayer, known as the Canticle of Simeon sung at Night Prayer each day, is one of peace: Now, Lord, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation. What an envied sense of fulfillment that came with seeing the Light of the World.
This feast is also referred to as Candlemas. In the earliest celebrations of Candlemas, and still in some churches today, the liturgy begins with a candlelight procession. Today, we still seek Jesus, our Light, and symbolize his presence in the worship space with our Paschal candle that stands near our baptismal font. We are to carry the Light of Christ to all the nations, the same light received at our baptism.
Our children will receive a blessed birthday candle when they attend Mass on Tuesday and Religious Education class on Wednesday prior to the feast. These can be part of the candles on their birthday cake in the coming year.
February 3—St. Blaise Blaise, bishop and martyr, is said to also have been a physician. The legend handed down is that Blasie saved the life of a boy who was choking on a fish bone. Blaise is now the patron saint of all that have diseases of the throat. On this memorial of St. Blaise, in many parishes of the United States, people have their throats blessed. It’s no coincidence that this custom is observed during cold and flu season. Not that many years past, and still in some parts of the world, these illnesses were very dangerous and life threatening. This feast and its blessing is a sign of God’s care for every part of us. Our throats help us to eat, speak our words, and sing our praise to God. Let us ask God’s blessing for good health of the body, especially against diseases of the throat.
We keep our Cardinal Blase Cupich in our prayers on his feast day!
At our 7:00 AM Mass on Friday, February 3, an individual blessing of throats will be given. A priest, deacon, or lay minister of care can also give this blessing when they are visiting those in hospitals or homebound residences.