Mary, Icon of Heaven’s Light

8×8″ oil on canvas panel; click on painting for purchase information.

This Saturday, February 2, we will celebrate the Feast of the Purification, or what used to be known as Candlemas Day, because supplies of pure beeswax candles would be blessed for use in Liturgy. The day commemorates the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, which, according to Jewish law, was 40 days after his birth, when the mother would have been considered ritually pure after giving birth. The aged Simeon recognized the Child as the Light to the Nations and rejoiced. Mary, the quiet candle who carried the Light, lit our world with God. She gives us a glimpse of Heaven’s pure and holy radiance.