Cynics in the Church will say that the crowds are always better when the Church gives something away: ashes on Ash Wednesday, palms on Palm Sunday. We have a double-header coming up:
Wednesday, February 2nd, is Candlemas, or the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.
It's been forty days since Christmas, and the baby Jesus is brought to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord. This is when Simeon prays his canticle
Now dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, in peace, according to Thy word. For mine own eyes hath seen Thy salvation which Thou has prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light to reveal Thee to the nations, and the glory of Thy people Israel. (Luke 2: 29-32)
Like many traditional Catholic prayers, this one is called by its first line, "Nunc Dimittis." It's part of the night prayer of the daily office, or Liturgy of the Hours.
If you attend Mass tomorrow, many churches will give you a candle to symbolize this light that will reveal Him to us.
On Thursday, February 3rd, we will celebrate the Feast of St. Blase, an Armenian (!) physician who, among other saintly things, saved a child from choking. Hence crossed candles will be held up to our throats and the priest will offer this blessing
Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from ailments of the throat and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Did you need just one more push to go to daily Mass? Here are two charming little ones. Come for the prizes and stay for the Glory.
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