DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word:  Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

Celebration for the day: The Presentation of the Lord (Feast)

The feast commemorates the purifying of the Blessed Virgin according to the Mosaic Law, 40 days after the birth of Christ, and the presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple. The feast was introduced into the Eastern Empire by Emperor Justinian I, and is mentioned in the Western Church in the Gelasian Sacramentary of the 7th century. Candles are blessed on that day in commemoration of the words of Holy Simeon concerning Christ “a light to the revelation of the Gentiles” (Luke 2), and a procession with lighted candles is held in the church to represent the entry of Christ, the Light of the World, into the Temple of Jerusalem. “Candlemas” is still the name in Scotland for a legal term-day on which interest and rents are payable 

The WORD: "... a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (see Luke 2:22-40)

Theme:  The great LIGHT has come. 

Inspiration: 

     One of the greatest creatures in creation  is the power of light. Light comes in different sources ranging from: The Sun (and other stars), natural fires (bush fires), fire, torches and fireworks. Amidst these sources, there is a Light beyond human telling, that which illuminates the darkest of the night. That is why Evangelist described it as a "revealed light to the Gentiles" And that is Jesus Christ. 

     The term "Gentile" is used to denotes  "someone who is not a Jew". Other groups that claim Israelite heritage, notably Mormons, have historically used the term gentile to describe outsiders. More rarely, the term is used as a synonym for heathen or pagan. Here Christ is presented as a "revealed Light" which seems to have been beclouded by sin, but His coming cleanses and illuminate our paths. 

     Jesus is being described as the Light  (cf. Luke 2:32; John 8:12), which came “to light a fire on the earth” (Luke 12:49). When Jesus ministered to people, their hearts burned within them (cf. Luke 24:32) and they passed on that light to others (cf. Luke 24:33ff). 

         The Church teaches us this truth in the course of Easter Vigil liturgy where service of fire is being carried out and paschal candle subsequently lit. The Chief celebrant leading the solemn procession into the church building in darkness, and the light of Jesus from the Easter candle is passed from one person’s candle to another. Soon, the entire church is illuminated by the strength of everyone’s candlelight. Jesus provides the light. All we must do is be willing to be set on fire. To be a “lamp, set aflame and burning bright” (John 5:35).

   Today as we are commemorating that solemn event of Christ's presentation in the Temple, let us put on our light to go and meet him. Let the breeze of our  sins and shortcomings never quench this light rather with sincere effort let us journey with Him so that at last we may behold Him as He really is. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  

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