Reflection on the 3nd Sunday in Ordinary Time from the ReKnew Your Faith Program Director, Br. Karlo Cruz

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, formerly known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The change in name shifts our focus from Mary’s ritual purification according to Jewish law to Christ’s manifestation as the Light to the nations. This reminds us that Christ is at the center of salvation history — the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.

In today’s Gospel (Luke 2:22-40), we hear the beautiful canticle of Simeon, the Nunc Dimittis:

“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 the sight of all peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for Your people Israel.”

With these words, Simeon declares that his mission is complete. Having seen the Messiah, he is now ready for eternity. But his prophecy does not end there—he also foretells that Jesus will be a sign of contradiction and that Mary’s heart will be pierced. The Light has come, but it will shine most brightly through suffering and sacrifice.

Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise. His words not only proclaim the arrival of the Messiah but also announce his own readiness to die—having beheld the Light of the world. This moment reflects the profound significance of light in today’s feast, which is why we bless candles. The candles symbolize Christ, the true Light who dispels darkness, calling us to do the same.

Purification Before Illumination

The Jewish law on purification (Leviticus 12) required a mother to undergo ritual cleansing 40 days after childbirth and to present an offering at the temple. Though Mary, the Immaculate One, had no need for purification, she humbly submitted to the law, offering two turtledoves—the sacrifice of the poor. This act foreshadows Christ’s own self-offering, the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption.

This feast calls us to reflect on an essential truth:
If we wish to be the light of the world, we must first be purified.

Just as Mary and Joseph presented Christ in the temple, we, too, must present ourselves before God—cleansed from sin and ready for His mission. The world is darkened by confusion, impurity, and rebellion. But today’s feast reminds us that we are called to stand out, not blend in.

Candlemas: The Last Day of Christmas

This feast is also traditionally known as Candlemas, marking the final day of the Christmas season in the old liturgical calendar. The candles we bless today are more than just symbols; they are a call to action. They remind us of Christ’s enduring presence and our duty to carry His light into the world.

As we conclude this season, may we, like Simeon, recognize Christ in our midst, and like Anna, proclaim Him to others with joy and devotion.

Like Simeon, may we recognize Christ.
Like Mary, may we surrender to God’s plan.
Like Jesus, may we become light for the world—but only if we first allow Him to purify us.

“Lumen ad revelationem gentium!”—Christ, our Light, has come. Let us follow Him.