Today
marks the first day of Novena in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. On February 11,
we shall celebrate our 63rd Patronal Fiesta recalling the first
apparition of Mary to the 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in 1858 at Lourdes,
France. One of the many activities lined-up for the Fiesta is the Mass Wedding
of 22 Couples. As they were prepared spiritually through seminars, the
sacraments of confirmation and confession, I reminded them that when they were
living together without the sacrament of marriage for years, they were like
candles without flame. They were not giving light as they ought to be because
our Christian vocation as Jesus said is to be “light of the world.” But now
that they are again in the state of grace, Christ is re-kindling their fire.
They are glowing once again like lamps on a lampstand.
We
celebrate also today the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple of
Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph. Theirs was an act of thanksgiving for the gift of
life; most especially for the gift of Jesus. Moreover, they were stunned by the
revelation made by the old Simeon and the aging prophetess Anna. Simeon
announced his gratitude that he has finally “seen salvation” because Jesus will
be a “light and glory” for Israel. Anna also, led by the Spirit, recognize the
future redeeming vocation of the child. Joseph and Mary never expected such
epiphany to happen. Every child brought forth into this world has an amazing
future waiting to happen. Every life is a gift; every child brings a particular
contribution for a better world.
The
Feast of the Presentation of Jesus has also been designated as World Day for
Consecrated Life. Since this feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on
which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world, so
the consecrated persons are called to reflect the light of Jesus to everyone.
Religious Life reminds every Christian that on the day of our baptism, we have
been consecrated to God. We have “put on Jesus Christ” such that we no longer
live for ourselves. The aim of our life is to be pleasing to God and to give
glory to the Father.
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