Here we are at the first week of February that dark, dull month at the end of Winter. April and the beginning of Spring seem so far away. We tend to nest during the winter months with February inviting us to cover our heads and stay in bed a while longer. Tempting, but not what the Church wants us to do. The Church doesn’t want us to fall asleep in the darkness. So, the Church meets us in this dark place to shed a bit of light – a light filled with hope. At the beginning of this last month of winter, the Church reminds us of Christmas. Forty days ago, we celebrated the birth of the light!
In the gospel reading today, two old people, in the sunset of their lives, hold up the light for a young couple who are beginning their life together. Simeon literally takes the light into his hands, and praises God. “Now Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Then Anna, a prophetess, “gave thanks to God and spoke
about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.” Simeon held up the light. Anna proclaimed its presence.
A simple little story but a tremendous teaching. The earth is leaning away from the sun right now, but it will soon change its position and we’ll feel the warmth of the light soon. We’re reminded by Simeon and Anna that we must never forget that the light is here with us, even in the darkest moments. They remind the “elders” among us of their obligation to keep the light of hope shining for those just beginning their journey of faith. They remind the young and middle aged to grasp onto the light – to let it be a beacon to guide their path.
The Christian journey is one of hope-filled discovery. Christ is the light – always shining in our hearts. We must never forget that he’s with us ready to light up the path we walk. We must never forget that, like Simeon and Anna, we’re witnesses to the light among us. The Church wants us to reach out to the light today, as we begin the slow march to Spring. Let’s hold up the candle of hope .
