40 Days after Christmas – in Europe, many families will
take their Christmas tree down today. It is the ½ way point of winter – slowly but
surely the light is returning.
Many is the secular world call this Groundhog Day – we call
It the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord– the child Jesus is brought to the
Temple to be dedicated to God.
Surely there will be many little Chief fans and 49er fans
rooting for their teams today. And where did they get that? How did I become
such a big Yankee fan? My dad. Yes, parents often have a huge effect on their
children.
And so it is with religion – Jesus parents – Mary and
Joseph - were fulfilling their duties as parents – they were passing on the
rituals and teachings of their faith to their Son.
In the midst of all the sadness and all the tributes
surrounding the death of Kobe Bryant – one of the top five scorers in NBA
history – I have been moved by stories of his Catholic faith. I am often told
by parents and children that we just don’t have time for Mass – I have
baseball, soccer, basketball. Well, last Sunday, Kobe and Gianna had a
basketball game. What did this parent do? – he brought his daughter to the 7am
Mass – then they would go play ball. The parent decides what is most important.
And it is not sports.
Now two people recognize who Jesus is – the elderly Simeon &
Anna – their long life of prayer and faithfulness is rewarded. “Now Master, you
can dismiss your servant in peace – my own eyes have seen your salvation.”
This gives us an opportunity to thank all our Simeons and
Annas – our long faithful parents and grandparents who have been such a great
part of this parish for many years. We are also grateful for those among us who
are dedicated, are consecrated to the Lord, especially the Sisters of the Resurrection
and the Oblates to the Blessed Trinity.
I go out many morning at 6am to open church, trying to get
my eyes to open, and I look across the parking lot and I see that light on in the convent chapel – the Sisters at
prayer 6am – praying for the world and for us.
How blessed we are that they are here with us.
Today is also known as Candlemas Day – a day when candles
are blessed. The candle is a wonderful symbol of Christ – it must give of
itself to bring light – to bring light to the world. The Christophers say it is
better to light one candle then to curse the darkness.
Tomorrow is the Anniversary of the Four Chaplains. On February
3, 1943 during World War II, the Dorchester was fatally struck by a torpedo. A
priest, a rabbi and two protestant chaplains prayed with those who were still
alive. They helped many board lifeboats. And, when the life jackets ran out,
they gave away their own. Without life jackets, they had no chance of
surviving. They were last seen with arms linked, at prayer, going down with the
ship. Amid great darkness – they brought
light – and so can we!
