Starting at the Feast of the Nativity (December 25) you come to
February 2 as the Fortieth Day since the birth of Jesus. In those days,
a Jewish woman stayed in semi-seclusion for 40 days after giving birth
to a son, therefore on February 2 the Church celebrates the coming of
Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to
offer sacrifice, both on behalf of Mary and on behalf of Jesus as a
first-born male. Joseph brings two turtledoves as a sacrifice, since
they were a poor family. As they entered the Temple, they were greeted
by the aged Simeon and Anna.
Many people feel that Simeon and Anna can represent the righteous waiting for Israel's redemption, and rejoicing that they lived to see the day of Jesus' presentation. Both of them are presented as elderly - Simeon waiting to die and Anna, 84 years old, wrinkled living in the Temple. Guided by the Holy Spirit, these two utter oracles concerning the redemption and consolation of Israel. Simeon's first oracle has become the Nunc dimittis, sung at Compline or night prayer by Monks and other Religious throughout the ages.
There is an old reading for this day that contains the line (Zephaniah 1:12), "I will search Jerusalem with candles". This is how it also became known as Candlemas, and is sometimes observed with a candle-lit procession.
Almighty and ever-living God, clothed in majesty, Whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple, in Substance of our flesh: grant that we may be presented to You with pure and clean hearts, by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who is alive and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever.
Ahh, the Gospel of Luke. My favorite.
Posted by: Ms. Cornelius | February 03, 2007 at 01:06 PM
Aha! That helps my understanding!
Posted by: Annie | February 02, 2007 at 11:20 AM