2 February.  Presentation of the Lord.  SEE:  Mapitso explained that this feast commemorates the Jewish tradition of ritual purification after childbirth. As in African cultures there was a great reverence for blood as a seat of life in Jewish culture.  At this time, when Joseph and Mary presented Jesus in the temple, it was foretold by Simeon and Anna to Mary that “a sword will pierce your own heart.”   This is the final ending  of the 40 days of the Christmas season, and is also called Candlemas, reminding us again that Jesus is the Light of the World for everyone. A simple procession of light can be held in the parish or at home.  

JUDGE, reflect and share.  Scripture:  When the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. From Luke 2:22-40.  Pope Francis. The concept of culture is valuable for grasping the various expressions of the Christian life in God’s people. It has to do with the lifestyle of a given society, the specific way in which its members relate to one another, to other creatures and to God.  EG1152.  Pope Leo: There are some clues about Jesus’ social status. First of all, he worked as a craftsman or carpenter.  These were people who earned their living by manual labor. Not owning land, they were considered inferior to farmers. When the baby Jesus was presented in the Temple by Joseph and Mary, his parents offered a pair of turtledoves or pigeons which, according to the prescriptions of the Book of Leviticus (cf. 12:8), was the offering of the poor.  DT20. 

ACT AND PRAY. The value of rituals, traditions and customs in families can be a topic for family faith sharing.