Welcome to the Guiding Star, a monthly newsletter sharing tips and activities to help build and strengthen your Domestic Church. What is your Domestic Church? “The family, is so to speak, the domestic church.” (Lumen Gentium #11) Visit the USCCB website on the Domestic Church for more practical ways to demonstrate and encourage a rich life of faith at home.
Candlemas, the Holy Family, and your family...
Candlemas, formally called the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is celebrated on February 2, forty days after Christmas. Candlemas recalls the presentation of Jesus in the Temple as described in Luke 2:22–40. According to Jewish law, firstborn sons were to be presented to the Lord (Exodus 13). Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, acknowledging that his life belongs first to God. At the Temple, Simeon the prophet proclaims Jesus as “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for your people Israel.” This declaration is the heart of Candlemas’ focus on light. Traditionally, families bring their candles to mass on this day to have them blessed.
As a family, say a rosary or a decade of the rosary together by candlelight. Be sure to share prayer intentions! Keep the feast by making Candlemas Crepes or doing a craft together.
Final thoughts for Family Discussion...
In many ways, Candlemas asks a quiet but challenging question: What do we do with the Light once we have recognized it?
