February 2 is the feast of the sacred groundhog, whose sacred home is in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Every year on this day we celebrate the possibility of the coming of glorious spring or the continuation of the gloomy winter for six more weeks. NOT LIKELY! Catholics do not celebrate the winter musings of a large rodent. We celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. Mary and Joseph came to Jerusalem for the ritual purification of Mary and for the presentation of Jesus, both in accordance with the Jewish Law.
But more than that, it is at this event that we have two testimonies to Jesus' future sacrifice. Simeon and Anna were witnesses to the promise of God's salvation and rejoiced: Simeon, who was promised that he would not see death until he saw the Lord, through his song, "Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel" (Lk. 2:29-32); and the prophetess Anna, who "gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem" (Lk. 2:38).
The "glorious spring" that we await is the celebration of Easter; the "gloomy winter" we joyfully endure is the season of Lent, which prepares us for Easter. There is no downside to either event. It is not about the vision of the groundhog which guides us, but the vision of Simeon and Anna, who, in their joy, prepares us for the joy of the redemption of all humanity. Groundhog--no, Jesus--Yes.
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