Candlemass
Tradition calls this day Candlemass. There would be long lines of altar servers carrying in lit candles in procession. This is the day the church would bless all the candles they would use for the year. Churches were much smaller then.
Just in our candle rack outside the Adoration Chapel at St Joseph we burn our way through almost 3,000 candles. I do not plan to set out 3,000 candles for a blessing and then must put them all away. That to me is the offering of many prayers. Most I think asking God for healing or help. And an occasional thank you, too.
In the gospel, the baby Jesus, now forty days old comes into the temple. He is the light of the world. That light awakens the spirit within Simeon and Anna.
Apparently, all others are still in the dark. Even if I had lit 3,000 candles, they would not see the light of the world. They preferred the darkness. Darkness only brings darkness, but one small candle brings light to a fallen world. You! You be that light to the world today.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen