2 Feb – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord; World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
This feast celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Presentation is the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is one of the twelve Great Feasts. In many Western liturgical churches, Vespers (or Compline) on the Feast of the Presentation marks the end of the Epiphany season.
This feast is also known by other traditional names including Candelmas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin, and the Meeting of the Lord. Prior to the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, Candlemas marked the end of the Christmas and Epiphany season.
The Western term ‘Candlemas’ (or Candle Mass) referred to the practice whereby a priest on Feb 2 (forty days after Christmas) blessed beeswax candles with an aspergilium (liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water) for use throughout the year, some of which were distributed to the faithful for use in the home.
Since the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, this feast has been referred to as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, with references to candles and the purification of Mary de-emphasized in favour of the Prophecy of Simeon the Righteous. Pope John Paul II connected the feast day with the renewal of religious vows.
- Wikipedia
Mal 3:1-4
Heb 2:14-18
Lk 2:22-40
…God’s favour was with him.
I have been wondering, of late, about how, having gone through a period of ‘fire and brimstone’ in the past few months, God is going to continue moulding, shaping and ‘firing’ me up. Then, at a recent ministry meeting for one of the core groups I am a part of, His message came loud and clear. I was expected to ‘step up’ and take the lead in one of the planned retreats this year.
My initial reaction was, “Yes, Lord. But how? I am already the main worship lead for another series of retreats.” Then, while I was discerning this fresh message, another invitation came in the form of singing in another choir for a significant mass in our local calendar, which falls on Valentine’s Day. Of course, practices are being held on Sunday afternoons leading up to the day and that means forgoing a much-looked forward to Sunday afternoon ‘ritual’ – something that Spaniards are well known for.
Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord
I am the eldest among my siblings and live with my mum and uncle under the same roof. We recently moved house and mum is finally settling into the new space, and getting used to the ‘lack’ of space for herself. I myself came to a realisation that I have had to adjust to a changing dynamic where rather than just be the dutiful, compliant son, I have to be a bit more firm towards her and articulate whatever concerns I have on some decisions she makes (or is used to making). This has not been easy and I am still coming to grips with the parent-child dynamic where my role is now reversed. But, as someone recently remarked, as long as I have the right intentions and they are pure, I should not fear having to speak up to my parent. As the first-born, it is my duty to ensure that the interests of the family are looked after.
…I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me.
Naturally, this new dynamic has opened up a few doors of concern…and of opportunity. Being part of another musical community, albeit temporarily, has enabled me to soak in an atmosphere of wonder and enriched my Sunday afternoons. Funnily enough, other arrangements/appointments have somehow fallen nicely into place around the practice sessions. Just today, my Sunday 7am choir arranged to have lunch at a restaurant nearby, enabling me to walk to practice after that.
Indeed, God can never be outdone in His generosity and His ability to ‘plan’ a way forward. I have long cherished the time and interactions of our motley crew of 12 every Sunday, and how we continue to grow and evolve as a community. Just last week, a fellow chorister (who was also invited to be part of the special mass) remarked that usually, the early morning mass on a Sunday is not known for its choir. But somehow, we seem to be attracting some form of a ‘following’ (we have gotten a few nice cards/letters from appreciative parishioners over the past few years). Among the few communities that I am blessed to be a part of, this particular one has certainly shined a light for me on how God can work miracles and unite individuals/personalities who are so different/disparate. The fact that we are twelve has also not been lost on all of us.
Brothers and sisters, as children of God, His favour always rests on us. That, for me, has never been a doubt and is becoming more apparent. I have learnt and appreciated how, as long as we carry this thought with us, there should be nothing that causes us despair nor forces us to make decisions or harbour feelings that are not of Him. For many, that’s easier said than done. I encourage us all to persevere in faith.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: We pray, O heavenly Father, that you continue to grace us with your favours during the year and that you always hold our hands and hearts through our ups and downs in life.
Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for Your everlasting love for all of us and for constantly watching over us. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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