Three Ways to Celebrate Candlemas

Sarah Pedrozo reflects on the Scriptural roots of Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, and offers three ways to let the Light of God shine in our lives.

On February 2, we celebrate both the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the Purification of Mary.  In many parts of the world, this feast day is simply called Candlemas, and it officially ends the Christmas season. Candlemas is especially connected to the blessing of candles, which is a natural drawing out of the meaning of the Presentation and the Purification. 

Scripture tells us about Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple when Joseph and Mary fulfilled the Mosaic law by dedicating their firstborn son to God. 

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord.“ (Luke 2:22-23a) 

Once in the Temple, the priest Simeon receives infant Jesus and proclaims, in great joy:

“My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32)

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Simeon, knowing through the Holy Spirit that the child he is holding is the long-awaited Messiah, immediately starts talking about light: light in his eyes to see, a light by which all people can see, a light that will be a revelation to the Gentiles as well as the luminous light that surrounds God’s glory. That’s a lot of light!  

Luke’s Gospel then talks about the prophetess, Anna, a holy woman “who never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.” Anna and Mary had a lot in common. Mary was the temple of God for nine months, and like Anna, she was certainly praying (though not likely fasting) and worshiping God without ceasing. Anna, in her role of a prophetess, gives thanks to God and speaks about the infant Jesus “to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)  Like Simeon, she, too, was prompted by the Holy Spirit and recognized the Light of the World was in their midst.

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Ideas for bringing Candlemas to life in our own homes, ourselves, and our world. #CatholicMom

Since Scripture talks so much about light in these short passages, it makes sense that over time, faithful Christians came to associate the Presentation of Jesus and the Purification of Mary with candles, and their steady, warm glow that chases away the dark.  Even today, candles remain a symbol of illumination and sight, despite electricity.  So, how can we bring Candlemas to life in our own lives? Here are a few ideas.

In Our Homes

Many parishes have services where candles can be brought to church for a special blessing. Check to see if your parish is offering this blessing, and stock up on blessed candles to use at home this year. 

At home, start by experiencing a lack of light. Choose a small space or room to gather in. Shut the door. Close the blinds. Turn lamps and lights off but bring your phone to use as a timer and a flashlight. Make the space as dark as possible. Time how long you (and your kids) can sit in the dark.  Close your eyes and imagine how the Israelites longed, for thousands of years, for the light to come into the world. Imagine there are no lights to turn on, just continuing darkness. How important would even one candle be in the face of so much darkness?

Turn on your phone or other small light and notice how comforting that small light is. 

In Ourselves

Now imagine that the darkness you experienced is inside yourself. Pretend you are like Anna in the Temple. Wander around an interior space, maybe even imagine you are somewhere that looks like the Temple from Jesus’ time. What are the shadowy, dark spaces you notice?  Now picture yourself near a Baptismal font, receiving a Baptismal candle that has been lit by the Paschal candle. Holding the lit candle, shine it into one of the dark spaces you noticed. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see where you need the Light of God. Resolve to carry that lit Baptismal candle internally with you everywhere you go.

In the World

We know that many places and situations in the world are threatened by darkness. Think about the corner of the world you interact with each day.  Where are you called to gently shine the Light of God in a welcoming, inviting way?  Can you connect with others who are also trying to shine the Light of God, and together increase your luminosity?  Perhaps choose one specific shadow where you can shine the Light, knowing you are not alone but that Jesus and Mary are with you.

Especially on Candlemas, remember the words of Scripture that proclaim, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” (John 1:5) and like Simeon and Anna, give thanks, praise, and worship to God for sending us the Light of the world.

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