Today is Groundhog’s Day. Depending upon whether Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, we will know whether six more weeks of winter await us. (In reality, we pretty get six more weeks no matter what, right?)
We also observe February 2 as the Feast of the Presentation, when Jesus was presented in the temple 40 days after his birth, as required by Jewish law. It was at that presentation that the aging Simeon sang his most beautiful declaration: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled, my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people …,” the declaration we make as a post-communion hymn.
So today you could be focusing on Phil’s forecast, wondering how much more winter you will see. Or, you could be joining in Simeon’s song. What will you do this day?
This reflection is adapted from the blog post, “What day is it?” written by Linda Post Bushkofsky that appeared on the Women of the ELCA blog on February 2, 2010. Today we observe the fourth Sunday after Epiphany, the feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, and Groundhog Day.
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