Reflection for the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and weather forecasting.

“For mine eyes have seen your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” Simeon in Luke 2:22-40.

‘If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, winter will have a second flight.

If Candlemas Day be dull with rain, winter will not come again.’ Folkloric rhyme, said to predict the coming weather with greater accuracy than Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog in Philadelphia. His annual forecast on this day, made by seeing whether or not his shadow is visible as he leaves his burrow, is said to be only 35% correct!

Today’s Gospel reading of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple at Jerusalem is one of the few stories from the childhood of Jesus, about which little is known. Jesus was brought to the Temple because, being born a Jew, he and his parents were subject to the law of Moses set out in Leviticus 12, it being forty days since his birth. According to the custom of the day, Mary was considered ritually impure until she had been cleansed from childbirth and was not allowed to enter the sanctuary or touch anything holy. Any first-born male child had to be dedicated to the Lord and Jesus’ parents offered a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons for sacrifice, as was the custom. 

They would be amongst many families doing this at the Temple, but faithful Simeon is also present and he realises that this is the child for whom he has been waiting. Simeon prays the words of the Nunc Dimittis, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace” and this canticle is often said at the end of a funeral service as the coffin leaves the church. Anna, a devout woman who never leaves the Temple, also echoes Simeon as she praises God for what is happening and their testimony is a reminder that their great age is no barrier to God’s purposes.

Simeon speaks of Jesus being, “A light to lighten the Gentiles” and so this feast has also become known as Candlemas – traditionally, the yearly supply of candles to be used in worship was brought to the altar to be blessed at this time. It also coincides with the return of the light as winter begins to give way and the first signs heralding spring start to appear. Not least of these signs is the snowdrop, known as Nature’s Candles before the head of the flower drops down. It’s a plant which can withstand the cold due to the pointed leaves being able to pierce through the snow or frost with their sap containing a natural antifreeze that prevents ice crystals forming. They are often the first signs of new life after the dearth of winter and, traditionally, three are picked and brought into the family, church or house to symbolise light, hope and love also being renewed. Three are in the church, centre and home here. 

Following the ancient heritage of cleansing, the churching of women used to be a regular custom but nowadays there are different attitudes to childbirth and it is not sought so much, although it is still available if wanted. However, one of the challenges surrounding the ordination of the first women priests was that of ‘tainted’ altars or hands when a bishop laid hands on their head as they were ordained or if they had celebrated at an altar where traditional views that clergy had always been male and should remain so were held. It was also an issue for some if a female priest was thought to be menstruating as well as questions such as whether, if pregnant, the unborn child was also being ordained through receiving God’s grace whilst in its mother. These issues still remain for some but other headlines in the news are also giving cause for concern that there is a lot that needs cleansing and much to be gloomy about.

So, as the snowdrops reappear, may they bring a sense of renewed light, hope and love where it is needed – whatever the weather heralds, whether according to the rhyme for Candlemas Day or Punxsutawney Phil’s forecast this Groundhog Day, February 2nd!

With my prayers, pob bendith,

Christine, Priest Guardian.