The Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas)

How to offer a Zoom Meditation

This method has worked well in providing simple content to parishioners. You will develop your own way of doing this through a process of learning what works best for your group.

A small group of five to ten participants will be very manageable but you may be happy managing a larger group.

Step One: Preparation

Download the scriptural meditation that has been prepared (you will find the link at the bottom of this post, along with an image for you to share). If you are unsure about using Zoom, you can find a simple guide here.

Invite parishioners and friends to the Zoom meeting. Be relaxed and enjoy the opportunity for people to be together in faith. Welcome each person individually and ask them to introduce themselves to the group.

Step Two: Prayer

Assign different people to the various parts.

Begin with a prayer.

Suggested prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the true Light enlightening every soul born into this world. Help us to realise, this day and every day, that our own particular daily work, if it is done for love of you, will shine brightly. Help us to live in your Light, to make it our own, and to kindle it in the souls of others. Make us light-bearers who will help to spread your kingdom on earth, and increase the number of those who dwell in heaven, the city of eternal light. Amen.

Step Three: Gospel Reflection

A guided gospel reflection has been provided which can be used individually or with a group.

Assign three readers to read the relevant parts of the chosen passage from the Bible (Luke 2:22-40) or using the downloaded sheet.

Before the second reading you may wish to read a brief reflection from a commentary or read the offered reflection.

Ask a reader to read the passage out loud for a second time.

Then introduce five minutes of sacred silence.

Technical Note: It is possible to ‘mute’ all the participants and it is recommended to do so at this time.

Once the five minutes of silence has finished mark this with an appropriate prayer.

Step Four: Sharing Time

Encourage the participants to share their reflections of the Bible passage on which you are meditating. On the downloaded sheet we also make available a series of questions to aid your reflection. You may also wish to offer the chance to meditate on the art: The Presentation at the Temple by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (link below to the image file and to a description of the art).

No one should feel obliged to share but it’s good to remind people that everyone has something to offer.

Technical Note: Zoom has a ‘hands up’ facility which helps so people can take turns sharing. You will know that only one person can speak at a time. So it’s important to be firm with participants so they don’t talk over each other.

Once everyone who wants to has had a chance to share you can finish the meditation with a prayer.