Presentation of The Lord -2^nd February

Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in today’s liturgy.

According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is referred to as the “Purification of Mary.” This is known as a “Christmas feast” since it points back to the Solemnity of Christmas. Many Catholics practice the tradition of keeping out the Nativity creche or other Christmas decorations until this feast.

The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Lord Jesus, as an infant You were brought to the temple by Your parents out of religious duty. Help all parents to take their duties to God seriously, to inculcate their faith in the next generation by their words and by their actions, so that the faith will be handed on where the faith is first learned—in the family and in the home.

Thematic

God of steadfast love,
you sent your Son to be the light of the world,
saving people everywhere from sin and death.
As Anna gave thanks for the freedom he would bring,
and Simeon saw in him the dawn of redemption,
complete your purpose once made known in him.
Make us the vessels of his light,
that all the world may glory in the splendor of your peace.
Amen.

Intercessory

God of love,
you refine silver and shelter the sparrow’s nest.
Accept the prayers we bring this day,
for you know all that tests and troubles us.
Amen.

Prayers of the People, concluding with:

Embrace our needs in your blessing,
so that we may be sustained,
even in times of trial.
Amen.

Scripture

Strong and mighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus,
the presentation of your Son in the temple
was his first entrance into the place of sacrifice.
Grant that, trusting in his offering upon the cross
to forgive our sins and uphold us in the time of trial,
we may sing your praises
and live in the light of your salvation, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

PRESENTATION OF THE LORD – PRAYER

Almighty ever-living God,
we humbly implore your majesty
that, just as your Only Begotten Son
was presented on this day in the Temple
in the substance of our flesh,
so, by your grace,
we may be presented to you with minds made pure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity
of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Prayer for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Heavenly Father, on this Feast of Candlemas (the Presentation of Christ), I recall the gift Mary and Joseph gave to the world by offering baby Jesus to You in the temple.
I offer up to You all the children in my family.
I place them into Your perfect will and I turn their futures over to You.
Help me to let go of my ideas of what they should do with their lives, and show me how to guide them into the purposes for which You created them. Help me to learn from the example of the Blessed Mother, whose heart was pierced by the sword of her Son’s pain, how to always trust in Your plans. Holy Family, pray for us.
Amen.

Daily Prayers – The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)

Lord Jesus, Who went up to the Temple as a child, grant us to know Thy presence and mercy in our lives and in our community so that we may declare the Good News of Thy love for all.
O Blessed Mother of God, who went up to the Temple according to the law with thine offering of little white doves, pray for us that we too may keep the law and be pure in heart like thee.

Three Hail Marys, Our Father and Glory be to the Father,

First Day:

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Thine infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from it. We beg this of Thee by Thy love, which unites Thee to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

O omnipotence of Divine Mercy, salvation of the sinful, thou art a sea of mercy and compassion and aid those who entreat Thee with humility.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon all humanity and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Thy mercy, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit that we may praise the omnipotence of Thy love forever and ever.
Amen.

Second Day:

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Thy grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

The fountain of God’s love dwells in pure hearts, bathed in the Sea of Mercy, radiant as stars, bright as the dawn.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Thy vineyard, upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Thy blessing. For the love of the Sacred Heart of Thy Son, in which they are enfolded, impart to them through Thy Holy Spirit, Thy power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Thy boundless mercy for ages without end.
Amen.

Third Day:

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Thy mercy, impart Thy graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of Thee by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Thy Heart burns so fiercely.

Thy miracles of mercy are impenetrable. Neither the sinner nor just one will fathom them. O Lord, cast upon us the eye of Thy pity; draw us all closer to Thy love.

Eternal Father, graciously turn Thy merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Thy Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Thy blessing and surround them with constant protection. May they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith; but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, may they glorify Thy boundless mercy for endless ages.
Amen.

Fourth Day:

Most Compassionate Jesus, Thou art the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans and unbelievers who as yet do not know Thee. Let the rays of Thy grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Thy wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart.

May the light of Thy love enlighten the souls in darkness; Grant that these souls will know Thee and, together with us, praise Thy mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls of all unbelievers and of those who as yet do not know Thee, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. By the grace of the Holy Spirit draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love Thee. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Thy mercy for endless ages.
Amen.

Fifth Day:

Most Merciful Jesus, thou art Goodness itself, do not refuse light to those who seek it of Thee. Receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Thy light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, may come to adore the generosity of Thy mercy.

Even for those who have torn the garment of Thy unity, a fount of mercy flows from Thy Heart. The omnipotence of Thy mercy, O God, can lead these souls out of error.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Thy blessings and misused Thy graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Thine own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit may they glorify Thy great mercy for endless ages.
Amen.

Sixth Day:

Most Merciful Jesus, who said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart” receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls bring joy to heaven; they are beloved of the heavenly Father. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God. God takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Thy Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of Thy love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in Thine abode, which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Thy Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Thy throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, we beg Thee by Thy Holy Spirit and Thy love for these souls, thy delight: bless the whole world, that all together may sing the praises of Thy mercy for endless ages.
Amen.

Seventh Day:

Most Merciful Jesus, Whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Thy mercy. These souls are mighty with the power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Thy mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry humanity on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, because Thy mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord is always close to the living fountain and draws graces from Mercy Divine.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Thy greatest attribute, that of Thy fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to Thee, O Most High! We beg Thee O God, the Holy Spirit: Show them Thy mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in Thee. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus: to defend as His own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who venerate His fathomless mercy by the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Eighth Day:

Most Merciful Jesus, we bring into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to Thee, and yet, who must make retribution to justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Thy Heart cool the flames of the purifying fire of love so that the power of Thy perfect mercy with justice may be praised.

From the heat of the cleansing fire rises a plaint to Thy mercy, and they receive comfort, refreshment, relief in the stream of Blood and Water into which we are baptized.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon the souls in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. We beg Thee, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Thy Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Thy mercy to the souls who are under just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Thy dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to the goodness and compassion of Thy Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Ninth Day:

Most compassionate Jesus, Thou art Compassion Itself. We bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Thy Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Thy pure love let these tepid souls, so filled with loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Thy mercy and draw them into the ardor of Thy love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Thy power.

Fire and ice cannot be joined; either the fire dies, or the ice melts but Thy mercy, O God, makes up for all that is lacking.

Eternal Father, turn Thy merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. O Holy Spirit, we beg Thee by the bitter Passion of Jesus and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Thy mercy.
Amen.

Begin the Novena for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

I. BRIGHT MIRROR OF ALL VIRTUES, HOLIEST MARY, forty days had scarcely elapsed from the Birth when you, being the purest of all virgins, did will, according to the law, to be presented in the temple to be purified: grant that we, like you, may keep our hearts unstained by sin, that so we, too, may be made worthy to be presented to our God in the temple of His glory.

Pray one Hail Mary

II. VIRGIN MOST OBEDIENT, at thy presentation in the temple you did will, like other women, to offer the customary sacrifice: obtain for us that we, too, following thy example, may learn how to offer ourselves a living sacrifice to God, by practicing every virtue.

Pray one Hail Mary

III. VIRGIN MOST PURE, in observing the precept of the law, you did care little that men should account you unclean: ask for us the grace to keep our hearts forever pure, however blamable the world may think of us.

Pray one Hail Mary

IV. VIRGIN MOST HOLY, in offering your divine Son to His Eternal Father, you did gladden all the Court of Heaven: present our poor hearts to God, that He, by His grace, may keep them ever free from mortal sin.

Pray one Hail Mary

V. VIRGIN MOST HUMBLE, in placing Jesus in holy aged Simeon’s arms, you did fill his soul with heavenly joy: give our hearts into God’s holy keeping, that He may fill them with His Holy Spirit.

Pray one Hail Mary

VI. VIRGIN MOST ZEALOUS, by redeeming your Son, Jesus, according to the law, you did co-operate in the salvation of the world: ransom now our poor hearts from the slavery of sin, that so they may be ever pure before the face of God.

Pray one Hail Mary

VII. VIRGIN MOST MEEK, on hearing the prophecy of Simeon foretelling your woes, you did promptly bow to the good pleasure of God: enable us also to bear all troubles with patience and resignation to His Divine Will.

Pray one Hail Mary

VIII. VIRGIN MOST COMPASSIONATE, when through your Divine Son you did fill the soul of Anna the prophetess with light, you did make her magnify the mercies of God by recognizing Jesus as the Redeemer of the world: enrich our souls with heavenly grace, that we may largely share the fruit of the Divine Redemption.

Pray one Hail Mary

IX. VIRGIN MOST RESIGNED, who did feel your soul transfixed with sorrow when in spirit you did foresee all the bitter passion of your Son, and, knowing the grief of Joseph, your spouse, for all your sufferings, did with holy words console him: pierce through and through our souls with true sorrow for our sins, that we may one day have the consolation to be made partakers of your glory in Heaven.

Pray one Hail Mary

V. Simeon received an answer from the Holy Spirit.
R. Pray one Hail Mary

Let us pray

ALMIGHTY, EVERLASTING GOD, we pray Your Divine Majesty, that as Your Only-begotten Son was presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so You would enable us to present ourselves before You with clean hearts.
Amen

Prayer after Communion

By these holy gifts which we have received, O Lord, bring your grace to perfection within us, and, as you fulfilled Simeon’s expectation that he would not see death until he had been privileged to welcome the Christ, so may we, going forth to meet the Lord, obtain the gift of eternal life. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Prayers of the Faithful

We pray our faith leaders may possess the patience and integrity of Simeon and Anna. May hope spring up within all humanity from laying our eyes first upon the face of Christ Jesus.

We pray to the Lord.

We pray for the Diocese of Colorado Springs, for its mission and future. May we manifest Christ Jesus in our prayer, and service to those in need.

We pray to the Lord.

We pray for true wisdom to emerge in our decision making so that our children and grandchildren may be wrapped in the arms of justice and sure peace, in meaning and reconciliation throughout our world.

We pray to the Lord.

We pray to see the face of Jesus among the timid and the shy, among people discouraged by lack of jobs, ill health and threats of divorce and severe grief. May our hearts be laid bear for the needs of our sisters and brothers.

We pray to the Lord.

We pray for the courage to fast and pray as we wait for Jesus to be manifest in threats of war, violence, and hatred. May Simeon and Anna become models of faith and may their glances upon Jesus teach us how to be grateful forever.

We pray to the Lord

We pray that our lives may bring peace and consolation to those who grieve here on earth. May the dead be not forgotten within our lives of faith. In this Mass…

We pray to the Lord.

PRAYER FOR THE FEAST OF THE
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

All-powerful Father,
Christ your Son became man for us
and was presented in the temple.
May he free our hearts from sin
and bring us into your presence.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God,
forever and ever.

Amen.

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