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At the end of the fourth century, a woman named Etheria (or Egeria) made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and observed many of the Christian liturgical rites which had already developed. She wrote about these in her journal which was discovered in 1887. Among the many liturgies she described is the observance of Jesus’ birth on Epiphany (January 6), and the gala procession in honor of his Presentation in the Temple 40 days later (February 15). Why was the Presentation celebrated 40 days later?

Pope Francis has declared this to be a Jubilee Year for “Pilgrims of Hope.” What is a jubilee year? Jesus refers to it in today’s gospel. Quoting from the Prophet Isaiah he declares: “The Spirit of the Lord… has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives… to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” (61: 1-2; 58: 6).

There is a Love eternal in the heavens which is the source of all things seen and unseen. This Love created everything and loves everything, especially those made in the image of Love. Since it is the nature of Love to give itself to the beloved, the beings created in the image of Love are complimentary—as they give themselves to each other in love they become one. Originally, the Lover and beloved danced together in a harmony of giving and receiving love. Each thrilled and rested in the joy and peace of knowing they were loved.

Last week I had a wonderful visit with Rose Zigler who is 91-years old and recently learned that she is terminally ill with cancer. She had never received the Anointing of the Sick, and we both thought it was about time. What a blessing it was to pray with her and Linda, one of her five children.

On that first Christmas Eve, after the shepherds were aroused by a host of singing angels, they ran to the manger to tell Mary and Joseph all about it. Then, St. Luke tells us, “Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2: 19). Mary does not speak much in the gospels. She was a contemplative; indeed, she had much to contemplate!