It is 2nd February 2019. We celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this day we are invited to present our very selves to God. The candles we lit symbolises the light of Christ to guide us and to take us closer to Christ. It is also time for renewing our consecration to Christ. The readings are from Malachi 3:1-4; the second reading is from Hebrews 2:14-18; and the Gospel from Luke 2:22-40. The Candlemas reminds us of our resurrection as we reflect the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Jesus is presented in the Temple by Mary and Joseph. God comes to meet God’s people to dispel the darkness and enlighten their lives through God’s only Son Jesus. We need to recognise the Lord as Anna and Simeon did and to spread the light of Christ to all people. May the Holy Spirit help us to encounter Christ in the breaking of the bread and meaningful participation in today’s liturgy. The first reading invites us to meet the Lord. “And suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire.” (Mal.3:2). The responsorial Psalm praises, “Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord.” (Ps.24:8). The second reading imparts us that Christ represents us all to God by presenting himself in the temple. We celebrated the Nativity of the Lord forty days before as we are invited to present ourselves to overcome sin and selfishness. The Gospel invites us not to appear before God empty-handed. Mary and Joseph went to the temple with Jesus to be purified. It involves the presentation and prophecy and present to the Lord. “No one should appear before the LORD empty-handed.” (Deut.16:16). “They offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” (Lk.2:23). Simeon and Anna praised God for meeting the Saviour of the world. May we too purify ourselves by presenting our entire self to God. May you have a good day. God bless you.