Candlemas 2017

Fr Brian has told me to keep the sermon short this week, more like a homily than a full sermon, so I will do as instructed. Thank you and well done to the Sunday School for having already interpreted this morning’s Gospel reading for us. Perhaps there are a few things I can elaborate on here.  

Today’s service we know as Candlemas.  You may also hear it referred to as “The Presentation of Christ in the Temple”, because it is on this day that Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple to be presented before the Lord. As we heard in our Gospel passage, Jesus’ parents would have had to present either a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons (ask Sunday School).

There are other reasons why this service is significant, not only in relation to Jewish laws and traditions, but also its impact on the people there. For example, it is an important day for Mary too, as this is the time of her purification, which signified her return to the Temple after an absence of forty days following the birth of her son.

Today was also significant for two other people: Simeon and Anna, of whom we know little about. Simeon is described as “righteous” and “devout” and, taking the infant Jesus in his arms, he speaks the words of the “Nunc Dimittis”, a hymn of praise to God often referred to as the “Song of Simeon”. Here, Simeon expresses his contentment that he has lived to see God’s long awaited Messiah. He goes on to tell of the great things Jesus will bring:

“A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel”.

Moreover, the light of which Simeon speaks is not only for the Jews but for all people, and today, my brothers and sisters, we can rejoice because the light and hope which Jesus brings is for us too. We have just acknowledged and recognised that light and hope by lighting our candles today.

However, Simeon’s song is not all good news. It also serves as a prophecy of future events in Jesus’ life, stating that He will be destined for the falling and rising of many, and also points towards His death.

Finally, there is a very brief reference to Anna. All we are told of her is that she was married for a relatively short time, and that since being widowed, she has remained in the Temple, worshipping God day and night.

As we go out into the world today, our challenge is to show the light and hope which our Lord brings to one another and to our community. May our actions and our words be a constant source of hope, making a positive difference in the lives of all who we meet.

AMEN