Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Psalm 24:7-10
Luke 2:22-40
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LIGHT ON YOUR FEET
"A revealing Light to the Gentiles..." —Luke 2:32
In the time of Jesus, light came from fire or the sun. Electricity and light bulbs did not exist. People had to “light a lamp” in order for light to be produced. Darkness could not be overcome unless something was set on fire (see Mt 4:16).
Jesus, the Light (Lk 2:32; Jn 8:12), came “to light a fire on the earth” (Lk 12:49). When Jesus ministered to people, their hearts burned within them (Lk 24:32) and they passed on that light to others (Lk 24:33ff). The Church teaches us this truth so vividly at the beautiful Easter Vigil liturgy. The church building is in darkness, and the light of Jesus from the Easter candle is passed from one person’s candle to another. Soon, the entire church is illuminated by the strength of everyone’s candlelight. Today’s feast day, known as Candlemas, likewise emphasizes the blessing of candles. You are a blessing (Gn 12:2) and a candle (Mt 5:14) for the Lord.
A bishop once told his priests: “Do not be so afraid of being burned out that you never catch on fire.” Jesus wills to make us like the burning bush: totally ablaze with light, yet not consumed (see Ex 3:2). The sight of our burning, yet not burned out, lives will attract others, bring them into God’s presence, and result in holy vocations and liberation (see Ex 3:3ff). God wills that even nations and world leaders should walk by our light (Is 60:3).
Jesus provides the light. All we must do is be willing to be set on fire. Be a “lamp, set aflame and burning bright” (Jn 5:35).
Prayer: Come, Holy Spirit! Enkindle in us the fire of Your love.
Promise: Jesus "is able to help those who are tempted." —Heb 2:18
Praise: Praise Jesus, presented in the Temple, Who subjected Himself to the Law to set us free!
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
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