Sunday, February 1st at 17:00 Mass in English: Blessing of the Throats, Candles & Bread
On February 1st at 17:00, our parish gathers for Mass bringing together ancient tradition, prayer, and the tender care of God for His people. At the 17:00 Mass, Fr. Kurt will bless candles and bread, followed by the Blessing of the Throats. We will also honor two beloved saints, St. Blaise and St. Agatha, and celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, often called Candlemas.
Presentation of the Lord - Astonishing Prophecy
As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph brought their infant son, Jesus, to the Temple to present Him to God, in obedience to the Law. During the ceremony, the couple was astonished by the prophet Simeon's revelation: the Child was the (long-awaited) Messiah wholly given to God for the salvation of the world. With joy also came a sobering truth: Jesus would be a sign of contradiction, and a sword of sorrow would pierce Mary’s heart. God’s plan would bring both glory and suffering. This was probably not the life Mary had orignally imagined for herself or her family.
Responding Well in Difficult Situations
Instead of getting angry at God and rebelling at what He had planned for Her, she chose the way of trust and acceptance. This was what God was asking of her and Joseph. Relying on God’s providence to support her, Joseph, and Jesus through a life with unplanned sorrow and difficulty, she would needed every bit of God’s grace to manage. She could completely trust God because she had read the Scriptures. She knew the stories of God’s saving power, His enduring goodness, His faithfulness and His love for her and His people. Trusting in Him didn’t mean the sorrow or suffering disappeared, but it would bring her the perspective she needed to remain balanced, hopeful, and open to receiving the graces needed to respond well to the situation.
Christ is Our Light
Candlemas reminds us that Christ is our Light guiding us through life's storms. The Blessing of the Throats and the witness of St. Blaise and St. Agatha also remind us that God cares for our bodies, our wounds, and our need for healing.
Presenting God Our Hearts
The storms of sorrow, difficulty, and suffering will come our way. When it does, Mary shows us how to handle them without being crushed by them. When you think of your life right now, are there parts that are messy, afraid, addicted, or need healing? Would you be willing to present them to God and ask Him to love and heal you right there?
M. Kyrou
