Deuteronomy 18:15 Moses spoke to all the people: “A prophet like me will the Lord, your God, raise up for you from among your own kin; to Him you shall listen.” Psalm 95: 8 If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts. Mark 1:27 All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey Him.”
The Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord officially closes the Christmas season. We are confident that the graces received during this joyful time will continue to sustain us as we move along into the New Year. Monday, we will return to Ordinary Time until the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, February 17. On Tuesday, February 2, we will celebrate Candlemas Day, which is called the Solemnity of the Presentation. On this day, candles are blessed. We have boxes of blessed candles available for home use. February 3 is the Memorial of St. Blaise with the traditional blessing of throats. On the weekend prior, a blessing through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, will be given during Mass without touching candles to the throat because of the coronavirus. We will especially pray that all will live in good health.