(Optional) Memorial of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr
A priest from Latin America was about to say his first mass in the U.S. on February 2. He expected to see a crowd in church as the Presentation of the Lord is a popular feast day in his country. But he was disappointed when only a few people arrived for mass. In his homily he criticized Americans for being so lax in their faith. The next day, February 3, he was assigned the mass at the same hour as the day before. This time, however, the church had a crowd which made the priest feel that his preaching was effective. Entering the sacristy after mass, he learned that the numbers had nothing to do with his homily. The sacristan presented him with a set of candles and told him to bless the throats of the people. The priest, who had never heard of the tradition of blessing throats on St. Blaise day, received a lesson on American Catholic culture.
In the order of holy things the Presentation of the Lord -- when we meditate on Jesus as the light of the world -- deserves much greater attention than the blessing of throats. During the Eucharist of the Presentation we encounter the Lord in his resurrected glory so that we might say with Simeon, “Lord, now you can let your servant go in peace.” We mean, of course, that having received Jesus body and blood, we are prepared to die. We know that Jesus, the light to the world, will rescue us from the darkness of death.
On the other hand, the blessing of throats, which might be done with the same effect on any day of the year, is a sacramental. It is meant to remind us of Jesus’ action in the world to save us from sin and its effects, including illness. Let’s not doubt the benefit of having our throats blessed. But let’s affirm as well that it is far better to receive the body and blood of Christ at mass.
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