February 2nd is the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple. It’s the recognition of our Lady and our Lord obeying the Mosaic law that was in place at the time.
This is the feast day that we meditate on whenever we pray the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.
The Purification also marks the end of the Christmas season. This is the day to take down your Christmas decorations if they made it this far. It’s also the last day to be able to sing Christmas carols.
Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“At that time, after the days of Mary’s purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried Jesus to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; and to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons.
“And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was in him: and he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the temple.
“And when His parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he also took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” Luke II. 22-32
After the birth of the first male child, mothers were to present themselves in the temple for the “purification.” Our Lady obeyed this law even though she didn’t have to.
She didn’t have to because the conception and birth of the Child Jesus were miraculous. His Mother didn’t require any purification since her pregnancy and birth didn’t follow the physical laws of nature.
Nonetheless, she obeyed the Mosaic law just as her Son was obeying the laws at the time. They obeyed these laws in order to be an example for us following the laws of the Church.
This is also the day when Simeon made his famous prophecy while holding the Child Jesus.
“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted.
And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon passed away not long after the Purification.
“The Life of Mary as Seen by the Mystics” is great book that I definitely recommend everyone read in order to get the full story of the Purification.
Candlemas
The feast of the Purification is also Candlemas. This is the day when there is the blessing of beeswax candles at Mass.
The faithful are able to bring candles to be blessed and these blessed candles are to be used for serious occasions. Occasions such as during storms or by the bed of the dying.
If you’re able to, try to get a beeswax candle blessed on this day.
Whether or not you’re able to attend Mass today, I definitely suggest reading the Mass prayers and candle blessing.
The candle blessing really is quite beautiful. I have it here below for you to read.
Candle Blessing Prayer
“O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God, who didst create all things out of nothing, and by Thy command didst cause this liquid to come by the labour of bees to the perfection of wax; and on this day didst fulfil the petition of the just man Simeon; we humbly beseech Thee, that by the invocation of Thy most holy name, and by the intercession of blessed Mary ever virgin, whose festival is this day devoutly celebrated, and by the prayers of all Thy saints, Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bless and sanctify these candles for the use of men, and the health of bodies and souls whether upon the earth, or in the waters; and wouldst hear from Thy holy heaven, and from the seat of Thy majesty, the voices of this Thy people, who desire to bear them with honour in their hands, and to praise Thee with hymns; and wouldst be propitious to all that call upon Thee, whom Thou hast redeemed with the precious blood of Thy Son; who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.”
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