In our Gospel today, Mary fulfilled the Jewish rite of purification after childbirth. Since she could not afford the customary offering of a lamb, she gave instead two pigeons as an offering of the poor. The rite, along with the circumcision and the redemption of the first born point to the fact that children are gifts from God. Mary and Joseph raised their son in the fear and wisdom of God. He in turn, was obedient to them and grew in wisdom and grace.

There was a significance of Simeon’s encounter with the child Jesus and his mother in the temple. Simeon was a just and devout man who was very much in tune with the Holy Spirit. When Mary and Joseph presented the baby Jesus in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized this humble child as the fulfillment of all messianic prophecies. Simeon prophesied that Jesus was to be “a revealing light to the Gentiles.” And this is now the day of candle mass for us. The candle is a symbol that reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. As we celebrate also the day of Consecrated life, we ask the Lord, as consecrated people, to renew our faith in the indwelling

presence of his Spirit with us. As the message of the Holy Father in his Encyclical Letter “DEUS CARITAS EST,” or “GOD IS LOVE,” more than anything, they must be persons moved by Christ’s love, persons whose hearts Christ has conquered with his love awakening within them a love of neighbor. The Pope is referring to the consecrated people whom the Spirit inspired to be like Simeon; saw the light and prophesied.

Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord’s presence in the temple. Anna, too, was filled with the Holy Spirit, hopeful that God’s promises would be fulfilled. Her hope in God’s promise fueled her zeal, deep prayer and service to God’s people.

Let us be hopeful and pray then that we shall allow the light of Christ to brighten every dark corner within us so that like Jesus, we might be light-bearer of the world, consecrated for his Glory.

Let’s all stand and begin our celebration.