Presider’s Page for 2 February (The Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas)

SONGS AT MASS (for Ministers of Music) ‘The Light of Christ’; the Gloria; ‘Christ be our Light.’ ‘O Mary of Graces’; ‘This Little Light of Mine…”.
Opening Comment (for the Presider)
It’s forty days since we celebrated the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Today we remember his Presentation in the Temple. This feast is also called Candlemas; candles are blessed because today Jesus was revealed in the Temple as the light of all peoples.
Alternative Opening Prayer  (from the 1998 ICEL Missal)
God of power and majesty,
your only-begotten Son,
having taken upon himself our flesh and blood,
was presented this day in the temple;
bring us also into your presence with hearts that are cleansed and purified.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings (for Ministers of the Word)
Malachi 3:1-4 — Malachi makes a prophecy that God will send a messenger to his Temple; Christians see this promise fulfilled in the events commemorated by this feast.
Hebrews 2:14-18 — It was because Jesus was fully human that he was able to redeem humans.
Luke 2:22-40 — The Gospel describes what happened when Jesus was presented in the Temple.
 
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) The King of Glory has appeared among us, so we bring forward our petitions with confidence:

1. That Christians may reject the ways of darkness (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
2. That all who worship God may have respect for each other (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
3. That we may help those without faith to learn to believe (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
4. That those who serve God in convents and monasteries may be rewarded (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
5. That older people may be cherished in our community (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
6. That those who are sick in body, mind or spirit may be healed (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.

The presider prays for the dead (especially N & N): That perpetual light may shine on them (pause for silent prayer). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) God of power, we acknowledge Jesus as the light of the world: accept the prayers we make in his name and grant them – through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Preface: Presentation of the Lord
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God.
On this day your Son, who is one with you from eternity,
was presented in the temple
and was revealed by the Spirit as the glory of Israel
and the light to enlighten all peoples.
We too go forth rejoicing to meet the Saviour
and join with the saints and angels
as they sing the unending hymn of your praise: Holy, holy, holy….