Thoughts from The Vicarage with an invite, Candlemas and Online Safety
Greetings on this somewhat dull and overcast afternoon – in the knowledge that we have the Feast of Candlemas on Sunday as we recall that Jesus is the light of the world. If you like the picture on Pews News you might like to know that it is of the 12th century and is in the Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, Palermo, Sicily. The painter is unknown.
The season of Epiphany ends with the Feast of the Presentation, celebrated 40 days after the birth of Jesus. It marks the date when Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to be presented to God in the temple. Jesus is brought by his parents to the Temple where Simeon and Anna recognise him as the Saviour they have been waiting for. Simeon proclaims him as ‘a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’
It is one of the oldest feasts of the Christian church and has been celebrated in Jerusalem since the fourth century. In many places people take their candles to church and you are invited so to do on Sunday. The candles are blessed during the service in church which is why this day is called Candlemas. People take home their blessed candles and use them for private prayer during the year. So, do bring a candle to church – we will also have some ready for you.
Candlemas is an important turning point, a bit like a pivot in the Christian Year – the point at which both Christmas and Lent are in sight. We have the twinkly lights on the Christmas tree brightly shining – juxtaposed with the words Simeon spoke to Mary; ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
Those words compel us to look Lentwards – and beyond – to the temptation, passion and death of Jesus. As Simeon foretold – the light and peace of Christ is one which throws light into the darkness, reveals the dark hearts of those who would misuse their power, and in response they oppose Jesus finally putting him to death on a crucifix.
Such darkness is that of which Bishop Steven spoke against in the House of Lords yesterday. He is leading the Online Safety Bill in the Lords which coincided with the publication of a study for the children’s commissioner for England, Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza who said its findings were “deeply concerning”.An issue of concern for all of us a fuller a BBC news article is available https://tinyurl.com/ykbzhw64
What are you looking for I wonder – come and see says Jesus! You may remember I used these words in a sermon recently and invited you to let me know if you’d like to come and see.
If you’d like to know more or are thinking about that answer … or if you’d like to find out more about the Christian faith, what goes on in church or are simply curious you’d be very welcome to Come and See on Saturday February 4th 3.30 pm at the Vicarage for tea, with coffee a possibility and cake! Simply come along and share a cuppa and cake as we chat through some of the questions and thoughts we may have. No query ever too small in my book!! Just drop me a quick line, call, text and if you forget just come along – all welcome.
If you’d like to explore a little more privately simply be in touch, or try this link https://oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see
And finally, a poem by Denise Levertov (1923–1997)
Candlemas
With certitude
Simeon opened
ancient arms
to infant light.
Decades
before the cross, the tomb
and the new life,
he knew
new life.
What depth
of faith he drew on,
turning illumined
towards deep night.
After Sunday, it’s time to turn, to contemplate Ash Wednesday (February 22nd) Lent, Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter in the light and love of Christ. Will we turn from the brutal and powerful forces which crushed the life out of Christ on the cross? Will we open ourselves to the gift of God’s grace, the presence of Christ, within and among us, and take him, like Simeon, into our arms, let him, like Mary, be born in us, and, like Joseph, nurture him that he might be fully birthed within each one of us.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday, meanwhile
God bless
Julie