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On February 2, the Church celebrates the Feast of Candlemas. This celebration commemorates Jesus’ presentation by the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph at the temple as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. According to this law, the first born child was to be dedicated to the Lord, and so Mary and Joseph journeyed to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice.

The Feast of Candlemas is another “epiphany” of Jesus, following years after His manifestation to the three Magi. We read in St. Luke’s gospel that while they were at the temple, the holy family encountered Simeon and Anna who had been waiting for the Messiah. In this encounter, Jesus is made manifest as the Christ and Mary and Joseph hear from Simeon that their Son will be a “Light to the Gentiles.” For this reason, part of the celebration involves the celebration of light, and in particular the blessing of candles. At all Masses on Friday, February 2, candles will be blessed and distributed for use in homes.

This feast is a powerful reminder in the midst of winter cold that we are called to be the light of Christ in the world. In our baptism, each of us received the light of Christ and through our lives of holiness and service, we are called to bring that light to others.

Jesus warned against his followers hiding their light under a basket. But we all know that it is sometimes difficult to be that light in the world. There are times when it seems that it is difficult enough to be a light for ourselves, much less for others. How can we be that in the world that our Lord calls us to be? Perhaps it would be good for us to ask why Jesus calls us to be a light in the world. Jesus said to his disciples: “Let your light so shine before all, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

By living a life of faith, we not only bring Jesus’ light to others, but in doing so, we can bring glory to God. So we are manifesting Jesus not for our own betterment, but to bring glory to our God by our witness in the world.

Next time you feel like putting that light of yours under a basket, think about who gave you that light and what you are called to do with it – and most importantly, why you are called to do so, and let it SHINE!