I am sorry to urge you to read chapter twelve of the book of Leviticus. Sorry, because it is a bit distasteful to our modern religious sensitivities. It will assist the understanding of the first part of today’s Gospel.

In today’s Eucharistic Liturgy we recall and celebrate Luke’s account of how Mary and Joseph complete the law of Moses concerning the parents presenting their first-born male to God. Mary and Joseph perform exactly what is prescribed as faithful Jewish parents.

Luke alone writes of this act of fidelity; Jesus is a human male of the Law and for the Lord. Ah, but there is an interruption! Something, some ones make their ways onto the ritual stage and this begins the salvific movement incarnated in the consecrated life, death and resurrection of this Light to and for all the nations.

Simeon, a righteous Jew has been waiting for his prophetic role on the stage of God’s saving labor. He has but a few, but quite important lines which echoes the words of Gabriel to Mary at the Annunciation as well as the message of the angels to the shepherds.

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sights of all the peoples – a light for revelation to the Gentiles, the glory of your people Israel.”

An elderly woman of faith, Anna, comes to center stage, takes the child in her arms and senses and believes what she apparently heard Simeon announce and she begins spreading the Good News as well; the Light has come to the Temple in Jerusalem and is sent from the temple to illumine the whole world!    

Besides being the Feast of the Presentation, this day is celebrated as Candlemas Day. There is a liturgical form for the procession by the faithful carrying lit candles while approaching the altar. This recalls the Light’s moving from eternity into time, from the heart of the Jewish center out into the darkness of God’s creation.

Interestingly enough, this second of February is also Groundhog’s Day. For the northern section of our country we stand watching the day’s light lingering a little longer each day. The famous groundhog emerges from his/her wintery digs for a look-around. The tradition is that if the hog sees its shadow, it runs back for six more weeks of winter. If it sees no shadow, well, that means spring’s warmth is close and why not stay out and above.

I figure that the frozen furry fellow is facing the wrong direction. If it faces the east, where the sun is rising, its shadow would be behind and the light’s promise would keep its hogging around.

So this day too is about the Light that gives light. “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.” Simeon and Anna and this liturgy are invitations to receive the Light, walk in Its comfort and to allow us to experience shadows as something behind and to let them be and not be darkened by their presence. Happy Feast, happy Candlemas Day, and happy Groundhog Day. They are all about day, light and life.