Mary spent her whole life serving God and invites us to do the same
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ordinary Time (November 21, 2018): RV 4:1-11; PS 150:1-2,3-4,5-6; LK 19:11-28
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
This feast honoring the Presentation of Mary as a little child was first popular in the eastern Church, but became a universal observance in the 16th century.
Holy Scripture contains no mention of this event, although certain apocryphal writings say her parents brought their daughter to the temple in Jerusalem in thanksgiving to God. Most importantly, this celebration reminds us that from Mary’s Immaculate Conception to her birth and every moment of her time on earth and now in heaven is one of complete dedication to God. Her parents raised their daughter to be a faithful Jew and loving child of the Almighty. Along with her family and neighbors, she must have prayed: “Praise God in His holy sanctuary; give praise in the mighty dome of heaven. Give praise for His mighty deeds, praise Him for His great majesty... Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord! Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150:1-2, 6).
The humble girl, who in time became the Mother of Jesus Christ, was truly the Temple of God. Before the Blessed Virgin Mary bore our Lord within her body, He already lived in her soul. Let us follow her example of devotion to God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
