This Monday, the church celebrates the feast of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. Forty days after His birth, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple for rites of purification and dedication. This custom comes from the Old Testament book of Leviticus. A woman who bore a male child, was considered “unclean” for seven days. On the eighth day, the boy was circumcised. The mother then stayed at home for 33 days for her blood to be purified. After the 40 days (7 days of being unclean+33 of blood purification = 40), the mother and the father bring the child to the temple for the Jewish rite of “Purification” and dedication to God. For the Eastern Rite Catholics and some ethnic cultures, this weekend’s feast of the Presentation also ends their Christmas season. The reason – it marks the last Liturgical celebration connected with “Baby Jesus.” Jesus is still a baby when He is presented in the temple on the feast of the Presentation. The Roman Rite however concludes the Christmas season with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. On February 2nd we celebrate Candlemas Day. The custom of blessing candles on the feast of the Presentation commemorates the words from the gospel reading on the feast of the Presentation: “And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” The story continues as Simeon holds the baby in his arms and says that Jesus will be a light for the Gentiles (Luke 2:22-32). Thus, a candle represents the Child Jesus as the light for not just Gentiles, but for the whole world. So, a tradition arose within the church to bless candles as a reminder of Christ being the light of the world. In the Polish tradition, Candlemas day relates to a legend about Mary, the Mother of God who is referred to as the ‘Blessed Thunder Candle” (Matka Bosnia Gromniczna) watching over the people on cold February nights. The thunder candle wards off deadly wolves and protects peasants from harm. Many today take these blest candles (Gromnica) and keep them in their homes to light during storms, lightening, and any inclement conditions. In Poland, the dying are often given the Gromnica to help light their way unto eternity. Blest candles will be available for purchase for $5.00 per box of two after all Masses.
