Homily on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Blessed John Paul II Parish, Cedar Springs, Michigan Mary Queen of Apostles Parish, Sand Lake, Michigan February 2, 2014 Father Lam T. Le, Pastor Scriptural Readings: Mal 3: 1-4; Ps 24: 7, 8, 9, 10; Heb 2: 14-18; Lk 2:22-40 “Light for Revelation to the Gentiles.” Today, Sunday, February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, as the opening remarks from the Roman Missal give us the history and meaning of this celebration: Dear brothers and sisters, forty days have passed since we celebrated the joyful feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Today is the blessed day when Jesus was presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. Outwardly, he was fulfilling the Law, but in reality he was coming to meet his believing people. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the Temple. Enlightened by the same Spirit, they recognized the Lord and confessed him with exultation. So let us also, gathered together by the Holy Spirit, proceed to the house of God to encounter Christ. There we shall find him and recognize him in the breaking of the bread, until he comes again, revealed in glory. It was in 1997 that Pope John Paul II instituted this day, the Feast of Presentation of the Lord, as the day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is also known as the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. Now is also the day of celebrating the consecrated life, highlighting those who are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all people in living out the Evangelical Counsels: Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord and the World Day for Consecrated Life, let us then reflect upon the three Evangelical Councils that some of our brothers and sisters are called to live their lives. They are called Evangelical Counsels because it comes from the Good News of Jesus Christ. In fact, a person is called to live in Poverty, in Chastity, and in Obedience as Christ did. Each vow emphasizes a relation to Jesus. In living the vow of Poverty, the person recognizes that Jesus was rich but became poor for our sakes, emptying himself. Following in his example, one makes the free choice to forgo the use and disposal of personal property and belongings, depending on a religious family for the material provisions that one needs. It is a life of absolute generosity and depending completely on God’s providence. In living the vow of Chastity, one recognizes that Jesus loved with an undivided heart, universally and to the end. A person is challenged to follow the example of Jesus in giving up a family of one’s own and embracing the family of all God’s children. Chastity signifies a life completely dedicated to God and his will. In living out the vow of Obedience, one recognizes that Jesus came to do the Fathers will, and He did that consistently, never wavering from what the Father had asked of Him, even if it involved suffering. No wonder Pope John Paul II often said that the presence of the sisters and brothers living the Consecrated Life reminding us that the Kingdom of God is already here among us. Their lives reflect the light of Christ among us. On this Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, as our consecrated brothers and sisters carried the candle in procession; may it remind us that in Baptism we received the light of Christ as well. In fact, consecrated life is nothing else than a radical way of living out our Baptismal call. So, on this day, let us ask ourselves this question: is the candle given to us in Baptism still burning? Parents and Godparents, this day should remind you the instruction at the celebration of the Baptism of your child: Parents and Godparents, this light is entrusted to you to be kept burning brightly. This child of yours has been enlightened by Christ. He/she is to walk always a child of light. May he/she keep the flame of faith alive in his/her heart. When the Lord comes, may he/she go to meet him with all the saints in the heavenly kingdom. Christ is the light of the world. May we follow him as children of the light! Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 12:42:31 +0000
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