LOOKING ON THE DIVINE FACE
“My eyes have seen your salvation…”
-Simeon in the Temple, Luke 2:30
What is it that the Holy Simeon saw as he experienced the fulfillment of his lifelong desire and the prophecy of Isaiah? None other than the face of the Infant Christ. We are told by the Gospel account that Simeon was “righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25) and that he was very docile to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. As he took the Child Jesus in his arms, the purpose of his life was accomplished: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace…” (Luke 2:29). He had looked upon God and lived; God had looked upon him and assured him of salvation.
What a beautiful thing to ponder this Sunday, marking the fortieth day since Christmas, that the Incarnation makes possible the gift of looking on the Divine Face! O marvel of marvels, to be able to look upon the Face of God! St. John the Baptist would say as much in proclaiming, again referencing back to Isaiah’s prophecy that “All flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). Many Psalms expressed the deepest longing of the human heart to see God’s Face. In Christ Jesus the Lord fulfilled the deepest meaning of Aaron’s Old Testament blessing, “The Lord make His face to shine upon you…” (See Numbers 6:22-27). This is the blessing I grew up with in my home, imparted each night by my father. If you are not familiar with Aaron’s Blessing, look up this Biblical reference and consider its fulfillment in Jesus’ Presentation in the Temple. The reference to shining also reminds us of the beauty of the shining candles which are blessed this weekend.
A special welcome to any visitors who are with us for Holy Mass this weekend, especially any who are here for the special Sunday evening Candlemas Celebration in conjunction with the Roccasecca Project’s festive celebration and reception. You can learn more about the Roccasecca Project, a non-profit organization consisting of alumni, parents, students and friends of the University of St. Thomas, at www.RoccaseccaProject.org.
May we all experience the shining of Christ’s face upon us. As Christmas formally ends, the mystery of the Incarnate Word continues to shine brightly. Simeon spoke of the way that Jesus would be contradicted and that a sword of sorrow would pierce Mary’s heart. In this way His Passion was anticipated.
I am excited that this Sunday after the 11:15 am Mass at St. Clement we formally inaugurate the Holy Face Devotion which we are planning to introduce gradually within our parish. The Holy Face Devotion draws our attention to the mystery of Jesus’ Passion as St. Veronica consoled Jesus on the Way of the Cross. The core of the devotion is the offering of prayers of reparation to our Lord Jesus Christ for the sins of blasphemy, atheism, and failing to keep Sundays and Holy Days. Through this devotion, we are invited to imitate the actions of St. Veronica. Bl. Pope Pius IX went so far as to say, “This salutary reparation to the Holy Face is a Divine work to save modern Society”. It has been heralded as a timely devotion for our age.
Please join us at St. Clement, on the First Sunday of each month at 12:15pm, to pray the Devotion of the Holy Face. In addition, Confession and Adoration are offered at this time. We are also hoping to introduce the Holy Face Devotion at St. Hedwig one Thursday evening per month during the final hour of Adoration there. Stay tuned for details.
Shalom! Peace!
~Fr. Howe