Bulletin column from January 29, 2023

This week we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. Traditionally, this is the day in which we bless candles. The reason for this is Simeon’s mention in today’s Gospel that our Lord is “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel”. The Lord is a light for revelation in various ways. The first way is that Jesus reveals to us God the Father. As he tells his disciples “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him” (John 14:7). Jesus Christ reveals to us in visible form the invisible God. In fact, everything which Jesus did reveals to us God the Father. Secondly, Jesus is a light for revelation insofar as he enlightens our intellects. One of the side-effects of the original sin of Adam and Eve was a darkening of our intellects. What this means is that we are prone to error in regard to the way which we think. Jesus, through his teaching and also his grace, enlightens our minds to the Truths of God and of the Faith. This is why Paul says that in Jesus Christ “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Thirdly, Jesus is a light for revelation insofar as he gives us an example so that we may follow in his footsteps. The life of Christ is the perfect example of sanctity and perfection since he was like us in all things except sin. Thus, the manner in which Jesus lives his life enlightens the way which we should act and conduct our lives. Finally, Jesus is a light for revelation insofar as he gives us grace as John says “the law came through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Jesus is the one through whom we receive the grace of God the Father. Thus, the life of grace, which is an illustrious and brilliant life, is made possible because of Jesus. For all these reasons candles, which shine and enlighten, can remind us of our Lord Jesus Christ who truly was a light for revelation.