WSC Reflection Guide February 2, 2025 (Cycle C, Yr. I) – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

GOD LOVES US AND MAKES US HOLY AS WE FULLY SERVE HIM IN COMMUNITY

Community Word: The love of God purifies us to a life of holiness.

Theme: We are purified to be holy when we commit to a life of worship, prayer and sacrifice.

Promise: “Refining them like gold or like silver… will please the Lord.” (Mal 3: 3b, 4a) 

Reflection

The Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, 40 days after the birth of Jesus. On this day, we commemorate the time when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to dedicate him to God as prescribed by Jewish law. It was the day of Mary’s purification for bearing her firstborn son. The significance of the feast in today’s readings lead us to reflect on our personal purification into a life of holiness, by the love of God through Jesus our Savior. 

In the first reading, Malachi prophesies an event that is to take place 400 years later: “…and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek” (Mal 3:1), our Lord Jesus who is the purifier and the refiner. And it is in the Gospel of Luke that we see the fulfillment of this prophecy. When Jesus is presented at the temple in obedience to the law, a righteous and spirit-filled man, Simeon, upon seeing the child, acknowledges the divinity of Christ as he declares, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations (Lk 2:30-31).  Anna, an elderly prophetess, also recognizes Jesus, “…the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem,” (Lk 2: 38).  Malachi’s prophecy is fulfilled, and this is the reason for the celebration. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that on the Feast of the Presentation, “Jesus is recognized as the long-expected Messiah, the ‘light to the nations’ and the ‘glory of Israel’ but also “a sign that is spoken against” (CCC 529).  Hence, it is also referred to as the ‘Candlemas’, when candles are blessed in church, symbolic of Jesus being the light of the world. The latter part of the CCC 529 refers to what was said by Simeon to Mary, foretelling the trials she was to face, “Behold this child is destined for the rise and fall of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be contradicted – and you yourself a sword will pierce – so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed,” (Lk 2:34). 

As Christ’s disciples, we have a mission to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and bring light to the nations through our love of God and others. We are invited to present ourselves and others before the Lord, allowing his light to transform us and guide those who answer His call. And, like Mary, our hearts too will be pierced many times in our life’s journey toward holiness. Sufferings, trials, failures and disappointments will form an integral part of our purification process here on earth to prepare us for eternal salvation. 

In this Jubilee Year 2025 of the Church, we also mark the 40th anniversary of our community. We recall our commitment to the Lord, through our 5 and 8 pledges, committing to a life of worship, prayer and fasting. Simeon and Anna waited for the coming of the Lord and demonstrated their humility, obedience, perseverance and faithfulness before God, as they served the Lord in reverence, deep prayer and continued sacrifices. Because of this, the Lord allowed them to see His face in Jesus before they passed away from this life. Our theme this week tells us – We are purified to be holy when we commit to a life of worship, prayer and sacrifice. 

Our road to holiness is triggered during the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LSS), when we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our lives and rekindle the presence of the Lord in us through a life of prayer and worship. Fasting is not necessarily staying away from food alone, but from activities, desires or material possessions that pull us away from God. With regular worship, prayer and fasting, our lives are refined toward that of holiness through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, slowly transforming our bodies into His holy temples.  

This year offers an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and deeper dedication to our mission as bearers of Christ’s light in the world. Each day brings us one step closer to being true followers of Jesus, strong in faith and with a heart full of compassion for others. As we serve the Lord, striving for holiness in all that we do, we are assured of this promise, “Refining them like gold or like silver… will please the Lord.” (Mal 3: 3b, 4a). 

Prayer

Lord, we recommit ourselves to a life of worship, prayer and fasting. We want to follow You with a life of holiness, a life of humility, obedience, faithfulness and perseverance You imparted to Your first disciples. We need You, Lord, and we declare that without You, we can do nothing. But by Your grace we can do anything. Remind us to love You above all law, and to reach out to our brethren, especially the last, the least and the lost. Purify us toward a life of holiness, in Jesus mighty name, we pray. Amen. 

Our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, pray for us. Amen 

Reflection Guide Question:

1. Like Simeon, do we recognize Jesus with faith and devotion? Do we see Jesus at work in our life, in our plans, decisions, and interaction with others? 

2.  Like Anna, how is your discipline in worship, prayer and acts of sacrifices? 

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:

February 2, 2025 (Sun) – Mal 3:1-4/ Ps 24:7-10/ Heb 2:14-18/ Lk 2:22-40

February 3, 2025 (Mon) – Heb 11:32-40/ Ps 31:20-24/ Mk 5:1-20

February 4, 2025 (Tue) – Heb 12:1-4/ Ps 22:26-32/ Mk 5:21-43

February 5, 2025 (Wed) – Heb 12:4-7, 11-15/ Ps 103:1, 2, 13, 14, 17, 18/ Mk 6:1-6

February 6 2025 (Thu) – Heb 12:18-19, 21-24/ Ps 48:2-4, 10-11/ Mk 6:7-13

February 7, 2025 (Fri) – Heb 13:1-8/ Ps 27:1, 3, 8, 9/ Mk 6:14-29

February 8, 2025 (Sat) – Heb 13:15-17, 20-21/ Ps 23:1-6/ Mk 6:30-34 

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ.  Read your Bible daily!”

Council of Servant Leaders

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Alfred S. Kudemus

CSL Secretariat

BLD Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Alfred Kudemus

alfredsk01@gmail.com