The light in the darkness

• Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. (Malachi 3:1)
• Today is the great feast of the Presentation in the Temple, the moment when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, in keeping with the Mosaic Law, to present their first born son to God. Jesus was the first born son of the Father - the Son of God! It is the feast of light because as He came to the temple, the light of His glory was revealed. The holy man, Simeon, who was in the temple, inspired by the Holy Spirit, was anointed to reveal who Jesus was - this moment was another Ephipany, another manifestation of God! (see Lk 2:22-40) http://www.usccb.org/nab/020211.shtml
• The glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus into the temple, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
• Simeon and Anna recognized the Messiah in the tiny baby. Lord, help us to recognize you in our brothers and sisters. Come be the light that illuminates the darkness in our lives - in our thoughts, in our actions, in our confusion. Fill our hearts with your Light.

On another note today is World Day for Consecrated Life. Each religious sister and brother is consecrated and set apart for God's work - we are called to be light bearers - to bring the light of Christ to others. It is a great joy and privilege to a consecrated vessel for the Lord! http://www.usccb.org/cl/world-day-2011.shtml