The past month has weighed heavily on the hearts of countless people of good will across our nation. Simeon foretold at the Presentation of Our Lord that a sword would pierce Mary’s heart — a sign of sorrow for the injustice and violence the child would suffer (Luke 2:35). In these days, we see that sorrow mirrored in the anguish of our collective conscience as we witness the killing of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents — deaths that have stirred grief, outrage, and deep reflection across the United States.
The piercing of Mary’s heart is not an abstract symbol but a daily reality for many people. It is a reminder that whenever innocent life is taken or whenever innocent migrants are torn from their homes, their families, and their friends, every human heart of faith and compassion is wounded.
I hear people ask, “What can we do?” It is a question born of despair, grief, and anger. It’s hard to know the right answer, but we cannot give up hope or be frozen in inaction. We must respond to all injustice with faithfulness and courage.
We can engage in civic life by contacting our government officials to advocate for justice, transparency, and reforms that protect the life and human dignity of every person in this country. We can join peaceful protests that seek reform and accountability without resorting to hatred or violence. We can refuse to accept injustice as inevitable and instead speak boldly for those whose voices have been drowned out by pain or government-sponsored terror.
Above all, we can and must come together as communities of faith: to pray together, to support one another, and to act together as the people of God. Small Christian communities stood up to and outlived almost 300 years of injustice and violence inflicted by the Roman empire. Our small communities of faithful citizens can meet this moment and become instruments of justice and peace and solace for those grieving.
The “saint” of the month is not a saint at all but a feast day. February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. It is also called “Candlemas.” It is a feast so ancient that it is shared by Catholics and Orthodox alike. At one time, this was a major celebration in the Catholic Church, with a blessing and procession of candles – hence the name “Candlemas.” It is considered a Christmas feast outside of the Christmas season because the identity of Jesus is revealed: a light of revelation to the gentiles and the glory of Israel.
Like all of the Christmas feasts, the Presentation not only proclaims the identity of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who will reveal the God of Israel to the gentiles, but it also foreshadows the Paschal Mystery.
Simeon’s prediction to Mary that “a sword will pierce your heart” weighs heavily on us who hear this gospel passage proclaimed. Unlike Mary, who may have been confused and startled by this pronouncement, we know what Simeon was foretelling. This child Jesus would be hunted down, arrested, and executed by the state in front of his grieving mother. The cross casts its shadow once again over this otherwise joyful Christmas event. The Presentation of the Lord in the temple reminds us that sacrifice and even pain and suffering will accompany the lives of believers, but we are nonetheless called to carry the light of Christ into the darkness of our world. Happy Feast of the Presentation!
Lent is quickly approaching, and the season helps the lives of our small Christian communities as well as our personal spiritual lives. If your small
community has been meeting once or twice per month, or if your community has not met as regularly as you would like because of winter weather, this is a good time to get back on track. The spiritual practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving can be shared and supported by journeying through this sacred season together. Consider meeting weekly for the six weeks of Lent. This will increase prayer together. Also consider using a Lectionary-based resource for Lent to savor the rich Lenten gospel readings of cycle A. If your group has been slacking a bit on sharing what actions you can take to live the Gospel more intentionally, give this more time at your meetings so that your personal Lenten practices may be rounded out by actions for justice and charity. Almsgiving is not only about money; it is also about how we spend our time and our energy to build the kingdom of God. Have a joyful Lent!
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Use Lent to offer parishioners a chance to deepen their spiritual lives and meet more people by offering them a taste of small Christian communities.
“Soup and Scripture” is a great way to help people journey through Lent together. Pick one day during the week that is most convenient for people, and set up a room, preferably with round tables. The first night, ask people to introduce themselves and share a few biographical facts, such as where they are from, how long they have been at the parish, and why they signed up. Offer people a simple meal of soup and bread that is appropriate for Lent.
Use a Lectionary-based resource such as Return to Joy, or RENEWED by the Word, and each week invite one volunteer to read the opening prayer aloud for the whole group. Then ask another volunteer (or two if the reading is long) to proclaim the scripture passage for the reflection, and then invite everyone to read the reflection to themselves. After a few minutes ask the reader to read the suggested reflection questions and invite people to share at their tables. Let this discussion go for about 20 to 30 minutes, then ask for each table to share one inspiring story or reflection that was shared. At the end of the evening, have someone pray the closing prayer for the whole group. If you like, invite people to offer their intentions as part of the closing prayer.
Participating in a small Christian community that is stable and ongoing is a deeper and richer experience because people share their lives and faith more deeply over time. Soup and Scripture can be a great way to give people an idea of what small communities are all about. At the end of Lent, offer to help people stay together in a small Christian community. Offer them support and encouragement to continue living the faith together this way.
"I was a participant [in RENEW's ARISE] for over 10 years and a host… dating back to 2005! Father Bob wanted us to build community and we did!! It was a beautiful journey that I’ll never forget."
- Mary Anne O'Brien
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