"There will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek" - Malachi 3:1
We've celebrated Advent, Christmas and now we get the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord--a story we heard in December. Maybe it will speak more deeply to us now since all the festivities are over. Ponder anew- another Advent is coming--surely with the pandemic world-wide it seems like the end-times and we need get ready for that final judgement. Malachi tells us God's messenger, like a refining fire, will come to the temple. That is the One we need to seek. The Psalm response asks,"Who is the King of Glory?" and urges us to "let him enter!" Christ is one! Becoming human like us--He suffered, refining our humanity. The Gospel relates how the Babe from Bethlehem was brought to the Temple to be presented/consecrated and Simeon recognizes Jesus as the one, a light for the nations sent by God. Yet this isn't just a story of long-ago. It is our story, too. We, too, were consecrated at our Baptism. If we will live the Gospel courageously, we need to be open to God and His way. As Pope Francis says, "Live the Gospel---use words when necessary!") This is Candlemas day--the day all the candles to be used in the coming year are blessed. We process into the Chapel, here at the Monastery, with lighted candles--it is a blessed image of the Church--all moving, sharing light from the Christ candle. Yes, Christ is the Light, & the Way! Yes, our Christian life is a process--we need to keep learning and growing.
Is the pandemic, refining you, teaching you to value the good and prepare, be ready for the One we seek who is among us?
Jesus, you are the Light and the Way. Help us Live the Gospel and bear your light to a darkened world.
Reflection by:
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB
Did You Know...
Sr. Mary David Hydro, OSB,?is a Benedictine Sister of Florida. A teacher at heart, she feeds "hungers" of God's people through Retreats & Spiritual Direction; she is Oblate Director and has involvements in Peace and Justice ministries.
