February 2 Holds Many Meanings
February 2 holds many meanings. Liturgically, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple marks the end of the Infancy Narratives, and for some like me, it is the time to finally take down the Christmas decorations! While some BVMs mark this as their entrance day, it is also the day that BVMs were received or made first vows during the 1960s.
In the gospel account in today’s liturgy (Lk 2: 22-40), we meet Simeon and Anna, two elderly, wise, prayerful persons whose entire life trajectories have brought them to this moment in which they each recognize the Holy One in this tiny baby and give witness to his destiny.
My question to myself is: “Has my whole life brought me to recognize the presence of Christ in my sisters and brothers? And do I speak up to defend the goodness and dignity of the forgotten, the marginalized, the ones shunned by society?”
May I, may we, live more authentically, wait more expectantly, and see more clearly. Let us ponder the ways God is working in our lives and in the lives of those around us, particularly the “little ones.” Let us praise God even when sorrow and loss pierce our hearts. God yearns for nothing less from us.
Happy feast day to all!
Thank you. The questions are great for meditation.
Hello from a friend of SISTER KAREN since 1959…..OH MY!
Prayers today for all who are remembering other special “February Seconds”….
I will especially be holding Sister Karen Conover BVM in my thoughts and prayers.
It was nice this morning to read her words where she mentioned her parents.
I knew the both of them……They were very dear people.
As a teenager I do believe I rather delighted in some behaviors which drove the
BVM SISTERS on Staff @ our High School to distraction…..
Now here I am praying for these good women…..OH MY!
GOD IS GOOD……………………………..xxx ooo Pat❤️
Thanks SKaren from your former Chem teacher friend at HNHS, Oakland.
Your reflection questions are a call to me and all of us religious or not to make time
to listen, see what’s happening inside us as well as around us and then take
some action….doable and simple. May God continue to bless the BVMs in abundance.
YES, every day we repeat our initial YES to God’s invitation. Thanks, Karen for
helping us celebrate our calls.
Today is also a good day to re-visit Jane McDonald’s: “Temple Meeting”.
May we be “holy hangarounds” as we continue our journey Home.
Thank you, Karen. I felt closer to Anna today than ever in the past. Could it be my age?
Thank you, Karen. Often in the midst of all the details it is easy for me to forget that God IS working “in our lives and in the lives of those around us.” One day, one deatail at a time. I appreciate the reminder. Happy Feast Day!
So grateful for all sharings. Peace. Betty V
Many thanks, Karen, for expressing so well the meaning of this day of celebration and re-dedication. Your questions indeed call for more personal and communal reflection and action.
I enjoy your postings! I am an alum of Mount Carmel Academy in Wichita (1964). I have fond memories of the angels who were there for helping me become who I am! Sister Rosellen, who taught sewing, allowed me to help others learn the basics l already knew. She was very kind and patient! Then there was Sister Aloysius, who was there only 1 year. Her humility, strength, kindness impacted my life! I still have all her letters until she died! She accepted me and helped me find self confidence. Then there was Sister Carl, our Sacristan! We all learned reverence and joy from her! I have a fond spot in my heart for the BVMs. Thank you!