Sunday Letter
Benefice of Padstow & Trevone,
St. Merryn, & St Issey with Little Petherick
During this extraordinary time, we thought our congregations might appreciate an emailed letter with the prayers and readings for the Sunday and a short devotional piece, as a way of keeping us together and sharing any thoughts we may have.
Sunday January 31st 2021
Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
Collect
Almighty and ever-living God, clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day
presented in the Temple, in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you
with pure and clean hearts,
by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
TODAY’S READINGS
Old Testament Reading Malachi 3:1 – 5
The people cry for justice, but Malachi warns that when Justice comes, they shall not endure his coming. Prophesying Christ, Malachi speaks of his coming among them to refine and to purify and to prepare Israel for judgement.
New Testament Reading Hebrews 2:14 – 18
Jesus, come from God, became man, so that in suffering, in temptation, in dying and in rising, he might atone for our sins and free us to follow him into glory. He now is, where we will be.
Gospel St. Luke 2:22 – 40
Mary and Joseph consecrate Jesus to the Lord. Simeon looks upon the child and beholds the salvation of Israel, one destined to bring about the falling and rising of many, and a light also for the Gentiles, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Reflection
‘A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel’ Luke 2: 32
The beautiful Feast of Candlemas falls on 2nd February, forty days after Christmas Day. Also known as the Presentation of Christ, it recalls and celebrates the presentation of the infant Jesus to the Lord, as described in today’s Gospel reading:
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Luke 2: 22
It is a festival of light, echoing the words of Simeon as he recognises the infant Jesus as the Messiah:
My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. Luke 2: 30-32
Traditionally, the term Candlemas (or Candle Mass – ‘the sending of candles’) refers to the blessing by the priest of beeswax candles on 2nd February for use throughout the year. Some of the candles were distributed to the faithful for use in the home.
The season of Epiphany is now ended, but Candlemas is, too, a feast of epiphany – of revelation – of the light of Christ to Simeon and the aged prophetess Anna, and, indeed, to the world. Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph are ‘amazed’ at what is being said about him. And following his blessing, Simeon looks ahead, turning their thoughts – and ours – away from the manger towards a revelation of the adult ministry of Christ on earth, a ministry which leads to the darkness and suffering of the Cross, yet ultimately to the glorious Easter Light of the Resurrection.
During these still uncertain days of pandemic restrictions and lockdown, I have found the lights of Advent,Christmas and now Candlemas to be stepping stones of hope and joy along our path.
As the psalmist writes:
Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path Psalm 119: v 105
Let us seek out the stepping stones of light, hope and renewed growth as we journey through the season of Lent towards the resurrection joy of Easter, the Infinite Love and Eternal Light of the risen Christ.
Post Communion Prayer
Lord, you fulfilled the hope of Simeon and Anna,
who lived to welcome the Messiah:
may we, who have received these gifts beyond words, prepare to meet Christ Jesus when he comes to bring us to eternal life; for he is alive and reigns, now and for ever. Amen
SUGGESTIONS FOR PRAYER
Workers in health and social care and emergency services, local GPs, all keyworkers.
Our Benefice with all its communities
Our new Rector – Revd Ian Gulland and his family Schools – teachers, children and parents
Those losing jobs, or facing financial difficulty
Those with mental health problems
Church – worldwide, Diocese and Benefice
World – peace, equality and justice for all
– those affected by Coronavirus
Suffering – all who are sick, anxious, lonely
– refugees and all who are homeless
Radio 4 8.10am Sunday Worship
Online video services:
(Video Recordings page)
www.kerdh.co.uk for readings, prayers & reflections.
Facebook pages:
United Benefice of Padstow, St Merryn St Issey
St Columb Minor & St. Colan Parish Churches
Facebook Newquay Online Church
https://www.facebook.com/groups/690831511862960/
United Benefice of West Kerrier
Wednesday Morning Prayer 9.00am by Zoom
Sunday Service of the Word 10.00am by Zoom
Email Revd Fiona for links giorlaf@outlook.com
PRAYERS FOR THIS TIME
Gracious God,
as we remember before you the
thousands who have died,
surround us and all who mourn with
your strong compassion.
Be gentle with us in our grief,
protect us from despair,
and give us grace to persevere
and to face the future with hope
in Jesus Christ our risen Lord.
Amen.
Let us pray to Almighty God,
who alone makes us dwell in safety …
For all who are affected by coronavirus,
through illness or isolation or anxiety,
that they may find relief and recovery …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For those who are guiding our nation at this time, and shaping national policies that they may make wise decisions, and that all people will be considerate of others …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For doctors, nurses and medical researchers,
that through their skill and insights
many will be restored to health …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
For a blessing on our homes and families, and our local communities, that all who need help will be known and cared for …
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We commend ourselves, and all for whom we pray, to the mercy and protection of God.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
