Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Presentation (November 21, 2020): RV 11:4-12; PS 144:1,2,9-10; LK 20:27-40
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
The Eastern Church was honoring Mary’s presentation by the 6th century, although it would take another thousand years for it to become a feast for the Church around the world.
On this day celebrating the Presentation of Mary, we venerate her total dedication to the service of Almighty God throughout her life. Scripture gives no account of this event any more than it does of her Immaculate Conception or her birth. However, the story does appear in apocryphal literature that speaks of Saints Joachim and Anne bringing their daughter to the Temple at Jerusalem when she was a little girl. It was an act of thanksgiving to God because they had been childless for so long. The Eastern Church was honoring Mary’s presentation by the 6th century, although it would take another thousand years for it to become a feast for the Church around the world.
Contemplating the Blessed Virgin as a young child helps us recognize the love and loyalty she had toward God throughout her entire life – and into eternity. In the Gospel reading today, Jesus answers a question asked by some Sadducees that was intended to trap Him. His response reveals that people to not comprehend life and death, heaven and earth the way that God does. “Those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead… can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise” (Luke 20:36). Mary’s whole being has been directed only and always to adoring, joyful obedience to the Blessed Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. She is a model of childlike innocence, purity, and profound affection. And we can strive to emulate her beautiful, unfailing faith even though she never knew the trials ahead of her or the demands that would be made on her as the Mother of Jesus, the Mother of God.