The Presentation: A Light to Reveal You to the Gentiles

At our little prayer group last evening, the reflection came around to being a light to others.  The imagery can be a little worn, but it helped us to think about being just a small light and turning ourselves over to the Father to use this small light as he sees fit.  And, how through his power and his design, even the smallest candle can cast a big light.

I see the light so clearly in the other women in our group.  When I hear their stories of small gestures of kindness that they perform in such an ordinary way, but that are truly extraordinary in our world today.   Most of these women are grandmothers and have seen their share of sorrows.  I think of them when reading the Gospel passage on the Presentation in the temple.  Simeon and Anna, the devout elderly pair in the temple.  The holy man and the prophetess.  What had they seen in their lives?  No matter what hardships they had endured, they stayed close to God in prayer and knew that He would not forsake his people.

God bless those grandmothers and grandfathers who pray for us.  Who remain faithful throughout the years, in good times and bad, never doubting the goodness of the Lord.

Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace,

according to your word;

for my eyes have seen your salvation

which you have prepared for all peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and for glory to your people Israel.

-- Luke 2:29-32