Lent 1 (year B)- Mark 1: 9-15

 What is Lent? Lent is the Anglo-Saxon name for a period of special preparation leading up to the commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The length and the specific practices have varied according to place, time, and ecclesial jurisdiction. Among churches influenced by Western or Roman usage, the season lasts 46 days or 40 days not counting Sundays. Sunday or the Lord's Day has not been considered an ordinary day of Lent because even in somber seasons, Sunday is a commemoration of Christ's Resurrection

There are various references in the Bible to forty, including the forty years Israel spent in the wilderness, the forty days Elijah fasted as he journeyed to Sinai (I Kings 19:8), and especially the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness (St. Mark 1:12-15). Christians have found Lent useful because there is a human tendency to forget about the biblical disciplines of prayer and fasting if there is not a time of emphasis such as Lent. 

On the First Sunday in Lent, it is appropriate for us to recall the biblical basis for this season of fasting, repentance, prayer, and special devotion. Lent is rooted in what Jesus did at the beginning of His public ministry. As the Gospel for the day from St. Mark 1: 9-15 shows, Jesus set aside a special time for prayer and fasting to consider His Father's will. This period included temptation, but by rejecting the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, the true nature of Christ's vocation became clear. Through His obedience, He was the perfect mediator between His heavenly Father and fallen humanity. In our limited human ways, we can all use the days of Lent to accept Christ's grace and to follow Christ's example. We can be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and draw closer to our heavenly Father and His calling in our lives.

Presentation of Our Lord- February 2- Luke 2: 22-32

February 2 has several names in church history. Traditionally, in the Western Church, one unofficial name was Candlemas because liturgical candles were blessed on this day. This day has also been called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Most importantly, this commemoration is called the Presentation of Our Lord.

On the fortieth day after Christ's birth, His mother came to the Temple to undergo the purification rites prescribed by Jewish Law (St. Luke 2:22). At the same time, the child Jesus was also presented to the priests and redeemed as His mother's firstborn son. St. Luke reminds us that the Holy Family chose to fulfill all righteousness, that is, to follow the Law perfectly. In doing so, they pointed to the general human need for purification and redemption through Christ's Incarnation.

One striking part of the account is the reaction of the old holy man Simeon.  Upon seeing the Christ Child, he utters the Song of Simeon or Nunc Dimittis  (St. Luke 2:29-32).

LORD, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, * according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen * thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared * before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

This beautiful Gospel canticle reflects the ancient holy man's peace, joy, and sense of fulfillment upon seeing the Christ Child. It also points to the sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment that every believer can find in Christ.