Our City set on Mt. St. Francis
“You are the light of the world…”, so our Lord tells His disciples in today’s liturgy. A few days ago we celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, traditionally called “Candlemas Day” because of the candlelit procession that initiates the Sacrifice of the Mass. We each carried a burning taper meant to be an outward sign of our vocation to enlighten the world with the Christ life that burns in our hearts. February 2 nd is also the midpoint between our celebrations of Christmas and Easter. Jesus is still a Babe in His Mother’s arms being carried into the temple for the first time. But there they will meet Simeon, the holy man inspired by the Spirit who prophesies to Mary that her Son will be a “Sign of contradiction” and her own heart will be pierced with a sword. So in this one feast the Church brings together the mystery of the Incarnation and Redemption, the Word made Flesh who yet shines in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome Him e
