Candlemas

Honestly. Can you -- especially you moms and dads out there -- imagine how you'd feel if, when you were lifting your young baby to offer to the Lord, some old guy takes the baby from you and cradles him in his arms?

That's what Simeon did.

At Mass today, the priest spoke of Mary presenting Jesus not just to God, but to us as well.

From Malachi in today's first reading:

"...suddenly there will come to the temple of the Lord whom you seek."

The prophet goes on rather frighteningly:

"But who will endure the day of his coming? And who can stand when he appears?"

And what happens when he does appear? Not much. Only two old folks, Simeon and Anna, even recognize him.

Yet Simeon's prophetic words ring through the ages:

"Behold, this child is set for the fall and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against, and a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed."

Jesus, today and every day, is presented by His mother into the temple of our hearts. Recognize Him.