The Gospel of Luke tells the story that forty days after the birth of the Lord, his parents brought him to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.  This ancient practice was a reminder of the faith of their father, Abraham, who was called to sacrifice his son, Isaac, but was stopped by an angel to show that God does not delight in human sacrifice. In turn, as Abraham offered a ram caught nearby, two pigeons are offered in exchange for the life of the newborn.  

That this takes place forty days after the birth means that it falls halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.  As a result, it is celebration that the Light that dawned in the birth of our Savior is overcoming the darkness of our sin as the Light of each increases.  It is traditional on this day to bless the candles that are used in worship for the remainder of the year, thus giving feast forty days after Christmas the name of Candlemas. 

The story of the Presentation includes the presence and wonder of both Simeon and Anna of what this newborn child will be in fulfilling the promises of the Lord.  As they take the child in their arms, we take lighted candles, that the Light who is Christ would be carried by our words and actions to the world today.  As we celebrate Christ as our Light, let us remember how Little Audrey brought light and hope to so many even in her silence and suffering. May Little Audrey teach us with the Holy Family, to trust God's plan while we, too, bring light and hope to a dark world today. 

A reminder that this coming Saturday, February 4th, is the first Saturday.  We will celebrate Mass at 10:30 am in Audrey's chapel and provide the opportunity for pilgrims to pray in her room afterwards.  Please join us! If you can't attend in person, please check our website and Facebook page for live streaming.