The Feast of the Purification of Our Lady is popularly known as Candlemas because of the rite of blessing and processing with candles, which represent Christ the Light of the Gentiles.
To honor this feast, here is a poetic tribute, some sacred music selections and related Scriptural references.
Lumen ad revelationem Gentium (antiphon sung during distribution of blessed candles)
Lumen ad revelationem Gentium (antiphon sung during distribution of blessed candles)
Nunc dimitis (Prophecy of Simeon)
My eyes have seen Thy salvation: Holy Writ
Behold I send my angel, and he shall prepare the way before my face. And presently the Lord, whom you seek, and the angel of the testament, whom you desire, shall come to his temple. Behold he cometh, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachias 3:1; cf. Matthew 11:10
And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord: And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. Luke 2:22-24; cf. Leviticus 12
Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: a Light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the Glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:29-32; cf. Isaias 49:6
What charitable humility!
Lo!
what Charity…
the Lamb of God,[1]
Prince of Peace,[2]
Lord of lords,[3]
King of kings,[4]
Light of the world,[5]
Temple of
the Living God[6]
presents Himself
in His temple…
simple,
as a dove;[7]
the mystery,
the sublimity…
the Only-Begotten[8]
of the Father,
full of grace
and truth,[9]
in Whom
the Father
is well pleased,[10]
of Whom
said He,
“Thou art My Son,
this day have I
begotten Thee.
Ask of Me,
and I will give Thee
the Gentiles
for Thine inheritance,
and the utmost parts
of the earth,
for thy possession,”[11]
offers Himself
in loving submission…
O ineffable Charity!
so low, the King,
humbly stooping…
stupendous Presentation!
Lo!
what humility…
the Lamb’s ewe,
Queen of Peace,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of all Saints,
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of Divine Grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Ark of the Covenant,
Garden enclosed,[12]
Fountain sealed,[13]
Purity of purity,
Virgin lilywhite,
Candle of Divine Light,
Mother and
lover of poverty
St. Joseph,
present the true Lamb,
unblemished,
she His Temple…
simple,
as two turtle doves,
the sword
of Simeon’s prophecy
pierces her
Immaculate Heart.[14]
Immaculate Mother
of sinful nation,
humbles herself—
O! the thought,
such humiliation—
to the law of
Purification.
Woe!
what misery…
For…
who am I?
A worm,
and no man.[15]
Not worthy
to stand
before the
Son of Man;
the latchet
of His shoes,
I am not worthy
to loose;[16]
His feet,
I am not worthy
to kiss;[17]
Upon His face,
I am not worthy
to gaze.
And, Thou…
my sweet Mother,
the undefiled:
I, Thy prodigal child,
didst wallow
in the pigsty,
a life of disgrace. [18]
Still…
with Thine assistance,
O Full of Grace,[19]
I desire
to debase, to efface,
to humble myself
in imitation of Christ,
the Holy Incarnation,
in total subjection
to my Lord and my God,[20]
and Thee…
Immaculate Conception.
- 1 John 1:29, 36.
- 2 Isaias 9:6.
- 3 Apocalypse 19:16.
- 4 Ibid.
- 5 John 1:4, 9, 8:12.
- 6 Ibid. 2:19-22.
- 7 Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32.
- 8 John 1:14, 18, 3:16.
- 9 Ibid. 1:14.
- 10 Matthew 3:17, 17:5; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22; 2 Peter 1:17.
- 11 Psalm 2:7-8.
- 12 Canticles 4:12.
- 13 Ibid.
- 14 Luke 2:35.
- 15 Psalm 21:7.
- 16 John 1:27.
- 17 Luke 7:37-38.
- 18 Ibid. 15:13-15.
- 19 Ibid. 1:28.
- 20 John 20:28.
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