February 2 is traditionally celebrated in the Catholic Faith as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and it is also known as The Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. In the Catholic Church the Presentation is also the fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.
Candles are blessed on this day, a symbolic representation of the words of holy Simeon concerning Christ: "A Light of revelation to the Gentiles." Traditionally a procession of the faithful with lighted candles was held to commemorate the entry of Christ, 'The Light of the World', into the Temple of Jerusalem.
Mary came to the Temple for her purification ceremony, a religious observance of her time, where she would offer a burnt offering at the door in thanksgiving for a happy delivery, and also a sin offering, she would then be cleansed and reinstated in her former privileges. It was also the custom for the first-born son to be offered to God and then ransomed back. Mary would offer her Son to God, and then St. Joseph would have paid the priest five shekels to ransom Him back.
It is also a foretelling of the Great Ransom that Jesus Himself would be as Savior of the world.
...because my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples: a Light of Revelation to the Gentiles, and a Glory for Your people Israel. ~ Luke 2:32
The Church asks us this day to remember to pray to always be generous with God, always ready for any sacrifice He may ask of us.
"If Jesus Christ Be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." ~ C T Studd
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I love this post Eileen, I love the path you are on and I agree that there is no sacrafice to great for us to make for the one who has given up so much to give us everything....Hugs
ReplyDeleteI am always interested in learning more about the traditions and practices of the Roman Catholic faith. I'm glad you are still posting here, Eileen - and often thinking of you and praying for your private journey and responsibilities. May God light your path daily and spread many joys and blessings throughout the hours.
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