Homily for Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (World Day Of Consecrated Life)
Theme: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas.
By: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA
Homily for Wednesday February 2 2022
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
*INTRODUCTION*
Dear brethren, In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life. This celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples. Today is exactly 40 days since we celebrated the feast of Christmas.
*THE FEAST OF PURIFICATION OF MARY*
This feast we celebrate today is also called the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is because this day marks the moment back then when the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God was welcomed back into the community of the faithful people of God after her giving birth. According to the tradition of the Jewish people, a woman who had given birth was unclean until the fortieth day during which time the new mother was put in confinement. On the fortieth day, the mother ought to be brought to the Temple of God and then the priest would welcome the mother back into the community through a ritual of purification.
*THE FEAST OF THE CONSECRATED PEOPLE*
Today we also celebrate the World Day of Consecrated Life, praying for all those who have given themselves and consecrated themselves to the Lord, following His very own examples, in becoming those who entered into consecrated life, as religious brothers and sisters, all who have committed themselves to a life of holiness and sacrifice, giving themselves for the greater glory of God, in serving us and many of their fellow brothers and sisters through prayer and works.
*CONCLUSION*
Let us all therefore seek the Lord with a renewed heart filled with hope for God’s salvation, and let us renew our faith in Him, our trust in His love and providence, and do whatever we can to glorify Him by our actions and deeds, through our every interactions and works in each and every moments of our daily lives, following the good examples of the many people who have given themselves to the service of God.
HAPPY FEAST TO EVERYONE AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.