Monthly Intention of the Holy Father
For children with incurable diseases - Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
Monthly Devotion: The Holy Family
Today is Monday - The Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary
Today's Readings
First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm: 24 - "Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord!"
Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
For Your Marriage and Family
Forty days after Christmas, Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple - fulfilling the Law, yes, but also stepping into a profound encounter. There an elderly man named Simeon and an 84-year-old prophetess named Anna have been waiting their whole lives for this moment.
This is a feast about meeting. The Eastern Church calls it Hypapante - "The Encounter." And notice who does the meeting: a young couple with their firstborn child, and two elderly people who have given their lives to prayer. The generations meet, and in that meeting, salvation is proclaimed.
For families, Candlemas invites us to consider: Who are the Simeons and Annas in our lives? What older saints - grandparents, parishioners, neighbors - are waiting to bless our children and speak prophetic words over them? Have we made space for those encounters, or do we rush past them in our busyness?
For married couples, notice that Simeon's prophecy includes a sword that will pierce Mary's heart. The Christian life is not a promise of ease. But even in suffering, we are not alone - Christ Himself "had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way" (Hebrews 2:17). We bring our children into the light knowing that shadows will come, too.
Universal Prayer for the Domestic Church
As a family, pray together:
- For the light of Christ in our home: May we be bearers of His light in a world that often dwells in darkness. Lord, hear our prayer.
- For the elderly and homebound: For those who, like Simeon and Anna, spend their days in prayer - may they know that their intercession matters and that they are not forgotten. Lord, hear our prayer.
- For children with incurable diseases: Following the Holy Father's intention this month, we pray for sick children and their families - may they receive the care they need and never lose hope. Lord, hear our prayer.
Faith in Action
Candlemas is one of the Church's great blessing days. Here are ways to bring this feast into your domestic church:
Blessing of Candles: If you attended Mass today, your candles may already be blessed. If not, ask your priest to bless them, or use this simple blessing at home (the head of household may bless candles for the family):
Lord Jesus Christ, true Light that enlightens everyone, bless these candles and sanctify them with the light of Your grace. As these candles scatter the darkness of night with their visible flame, may our hearts, illumined by invisible fire, be free from all blindness of sin. Amen.
Use your blessed candles throughout the year at:
- Family prayer
- Sunday dinners
- Birthdays and baptismal anniversaries
- Times of illness or vigil
- Moments of family difficulty
About the Feast of the Presentation
This ancient feast - celebrated since at least the fourth century - goes by many names:
- The Presentation of the Lord: Jesus is presented in the Temple as the firstborn son
- The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mary fulfills the requirements of Jewish law
- Candlemas: From the tradition of blessing candles for the year
- The Feast of the Encounter (Hypapante): The meeting of Christ with His people
Note: Tomorrow, February 3, is the Memorial of St. Blaise, when throats are blessed. Consider attending Mass for the blessing of throats.
A Note for Parents
Young Simeon waited his whole life to hold the Christ Child. Consider giving each family member their own blessed candle today - write their name and the date on it. This becomes their candle to light on birthdays, baptismal anniversaries, First Communion, Confirmation, and in times of sickness. Over the years, watching the candle slowly burn down becomes a visible sign of a life lived in the light of Christ.
"My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles." - Luke 2:30-32
