Today is something of a liturgical potpourri: the presentation of the Lord, fulfilling the Mosaic Law to redeem the first born child; the purification of Mary, forty days after the birth of a child a mother is restored to full participation in Israel; candlemas, since Simeon named Jesus the light of the nations this day candles are blessed; in Orthodoxy this is “the meeting,” when Jesus is first acknowledged as the Messiah. In addition, Pope John Paul designated this as “the world day for consecrated life.” What stands out in all of this is a recognition of the human child, Jesus. The epistle says, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way. How consoling to know Jesus shares humanity with us.
