(Credits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnkDMQmHeYE
The feast of the Presentation of Our Lord is celebrated annually on February 2, exactly 40 days after Christmas (25-Dec).
According to the law of Moses it was required that Mary enters the temple for the ritual purification after giving birth. Women weren't allowed to worship in the temple for 40 days after the birth for a boy, and 80 days for a girl. At the end of this time, women were brought to the Temple or Synagogue to be purified. After the ceremony, women were allowed to take part in religious services again.
Also, forty days was the time according to the Mosaic law, when Mary and Joseph had to present the Infant Jesus at the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord alongwith offering of a sacrifice.
Simeon holds the baby in his arms and says that Jesus will be “a light for the Gentiles”. In commemorating the arrival and manifestation of the divine light to the world, the Church each year blesses all the candles to be used in the church for the year. And hence it is also known as Candlemas Day. The blessed candles kept by the faithful in their homes should be seen as a sign of Christ 'the light of the world' and an expression of faith.
On this day, the Church demonstrates its gratitude to all those in the community that dedicate themselves in a privileged way to prayer, that like Simeon and Anna, they too will receive the breath of the Spirit.
The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity.
Quiz Time
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