CANDLEMAS: LIGHTS FOR A VERY SPECIAL MEETING!
On 2 February we enter the Temple with a child, an older man called Simeon and a prophetess called Anna. Candlemas begins with their words.
A child in an older man’s arms. A prophetess thanking God and speaking about him to those waiting. In Luke chapter 2, Simeon and Anna recognise Jesus in the Temple. Start here to understand the candles of 2 February.
Forty days after Christmas
The Roman liturgy celebrates the Presentation of the Lord. Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to Jerusalem as Israel’s Law prescribes, offering a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons. The account shows the Jewish religious life of the family of Nazareth.
Simeon speaks of a light for all peoples: this is the image behind the candles. Anna is a prophetess and witness with a public voice in the Gospel. Two older people whose words deserve attention!
A feast called “meeting”
In the East the feast is called Hypapante, meaning “meeting”. It spreads in the West in the sixth century; the blessing and procession of candles later develop their own traditions, as the Vatican liturgical booklet explains.
The candle points towards Christ. Its meaning comes from the story rather than weather proverbs or popular beliefs.
Pain enters the scene, too
Simeon foretells opposition and suffering that will touch Mary. There is tenderness and recognition in the Temple, alongside a glimpse of Jesus’s future journey.
Candlemas falls forty days after Christmas, but the Roman Christmas season has already ended with the Baptism of the Lord.
Want to take part? Ask your parish about times and arrangements. Carrying a candle can become a chance to discover Simeon and Anna, two voices worth listening to.
